UC-NRLF 


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THE  EECEUIT: 

A    COMPILATION 

OF 
OP 

INFANTRY,  LIGHTINFANTRY 

AND 

RIFLEMEN, 

ACCORDING  TO  THE  LATEST  IMPROVEMENTS. 
RESPKCTFULLT  DEDICATED  TO  THE 

RECRUITS  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 
BY  OAPT.  JOH]^  T.  CAIRNS. 

SIXTH     EDITION. 

NEW  YORK: 
LEWIS     H.    E  M  B  R  E  E, 

184     BOWEET. 
1855. 


Ull3 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1844,  by 

JOHN  T.  CAIRNS, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Southern  District 
of  New  York. 


FELLOW-SOLDIERS: 

The  much  approved  and  beautiful  system  of 
Tactics  prepared  by  Major  General  Winfield  Scott, 
being  too  voluminous  to  reach  recruits,  and  hav- 
ing myself  for  twenty  years  met  w^ith  a  large 
number  of  soldiers  (rank  and  file)  who  deplored 
the  want  of  an  exposition  of  first  principles,  at  a 
low  price ;  the  following  work  is  most  respectfully 
offered  for  your  consideration. 

When  this  work  was  first  compiled,  it  was 
intended  as  a  book  of  reference  for  myself  and  the 
members  of  my  command  (the  Independence 
Guard),  but,  on  submitting  it  to  some  military 
friends,  I  have  been  induced  to  offer  it  to  my  fellow- 
soldiers  generally. 

The  information  of  the  recruit,  has  been  kept 
always  in  view,  as  it  should  be  by  every  man  who 
has  the  least  pretension  as  an  Instructor.  The  first 
lessons  to  the  recruit  may  be  likened  to  the  foun- 
dation of  a  house  ;  lay  a  good  foundation,  and  you 
can  rear  your  superstructure  to  any  height ;  make 
a  good  infantry  soldier,  and  you  have  the  man  pre- 
pared for  any  other  arm. 

The  frontispiece  (description  of  a  musket)  will 
be  found  useful;  every  recruit  should  know  the 
principal  parts  of  the  piece,  before  proceeding  to 
the  manual  of  arms. 


M176GSG 


Flank  companies  that  wish  to  conform  strictly 
to  the  rules  and  regulations,  have  found  the  want 
of  a  camp  color  in  Reviews,  &c.  To  obviate  that 
difficulty,  the  author  makes  the  following  sugges- 
tion : — Let  each  company  appear  w^ith  a  single 
regimental  camp  color,  or  one  adapted  to  the  com- 
pany for  company  days,  which  can  be  used  to 
advantage  in  reviews ;  in  forming  line  by  file,  and 
from  column  on  the  right  into  line ;  to  mark  the 
change  of  direction,  &c.  On  regimental  days  the 
same  color-bearers  to  act  as  general  guides,  and 
posted  in  the  line  of  file-closers,  the  first  in  the 
rear  of  the  right,  and  the  second  in  the  rear  of  the 
left  flank  of  the  battalion. 

The  compiler's  chief  delight,  during  twenty 
years  in  the  volunteer  service  of  the  State  of  New 
York,  has  been  his  association  with  recruits, 
hoping  thereby  to  serve  his  country  more  eifec- 
tually ;  and  that  feeling  alone  has  prompted  him  to 
yield  to  solicitations,  and  submit  this  work  for  their 
particular  benefit.  Whether  it  be  adapted  to  that 
purpose  he  leaves  for  others  to  decide. 

If  this  effort  of  the  compiler  should  meet  with  a 
favorable  reception,  you  may  hear  from  the  same 
source  again. 

JOHN  T.  CAIRNS. 


w 

Flank  companies  that  wish  to  conform  strictly 
to  the  rules  and  regulations,  have  found  the  want 
of  a  camp  color  in  Reviews,  &c.  To  obviate  that 
difficulty,  the  author  makes  the  following  sugges- 
tion:— Let  each  company  appear  with  a  single 
regimental  camp  color,  or  one  adapted  to  the  com- 
pany for  company  days,  which  can  be  used  to 
advantage  in  reviews ;  in  forming  line  by  file,  and 
from  column  on  the  right  into  line ;  to  mark  the 
change  of  direction,  &c.  On  regimental  days  the 
same  color-bearers  to  act  as  general  guides^  and 
posted  in  the  line  of  file-closers,  the  first  in  the 
rear  of  the  right,  and  the  second  in  the  rear  of  the 
left  flank  of  the  battalion. 

The  compiler's  chief  delight,  during  twenty 
years  in  the  volunteer  service  of  the  State  of  New 
York,  has  been  his  association  with  recruits, 
hoping  thereby  to  serve  his  country  more  effec- 
tually ;  and  that  feeling  alone  has  prompted  him  to 
yield  to  solicitations,  and  submit  this  work  for  tlieir 
particular  benefit.  Whether  it  be  adapted  to  that 
purpose  he  leaves  for  others  to  decide. 

If  this  effort  of  the  compiler  should  meet  with  a 
favorable  reception,  you  may  hear  from  the  same 
source  again. 

JOHN  T.  CAIRNS. 


♦   s 


DESCRIPTION  OF  A  MUSKET. 


The  principal  parts  of  a  Piece  (Fusil,  Musket,  or  Firelock), 
are  the  following :— 1st.  The  Barrel.  2d.  Lock.  3d.  Stock. 
4th.  Rammer.    5th.  Mounting. 

Fia.  T. 
No.    1— The  Upper.    2.  Middle.    3.  Tail-bands. 
No.    4— The  Swell. 
No.    5— The  Trigger. 
No.    6— The  Guard. 
No.    7— The  Swivels. 

No.    8— The  Small  of  the  Stock  (or  Handle  of  the  Piece.) 
No.    9— The  Bult. 
No.  10— The  Heel  of  the  Butt. 
No.  11— The  Front  Screw  of  the  Butt  Plate. 
No.  12— The  Butt  Plate. 
No.  13— The  Toe  (or  Beak)  of  the  Butt. 
No.  14— The  Lock.    The  plate  opposite  the  Lock  is  called  the 

S  (or  Counter  Plate). 
No.  15 — The  Bayonet. 
No.  16— The  Rammer. 

There  is  Upper,  Middle,  and  Tail  Pipe;  Butt  of,  and  Little 
End  of  Rammer. 

The  names  belonging  to  the  Barrel  are,  the  Muzzle,  Breech, 
Bore,  Sight,  Breech  Pin,  and  Tang-Screw,  which  fastens  the 
breech  to  the  stock. 

Fig. IL 
No.  1  is  the  Flint  (or  Cock)  screw ;  1  is  also  the  head  of  the 
cock.  No.  2— The  Chops  for  the  Flint.  No.  3— The  Flint. 
Nos.  4  and  1  inclusive — The  Cock  or  Hammer.  No.  5 — ^The 
Tumbler  Screw  which  fastens  the  cock  to  the  screw  plate:  the 
tumbler  is  that  into  which  this  is  screwed.  No.  6 — The  Screw 
Plate.  No.  7— The  Pan  Steel  and  its  Screw.  No.  8— The  Pan 
No.  9— The  Feather  Spring. 

Fio.  IIL 
No.  1  is  the  Blade  of  the  Bayonet.    No.  2— The  Shank.    No. 
S—The  Socket. 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  SOLDIER. 


First  Principles. 

This  will  be  taught,  if  practicable,  to  one  recruit 
at  a  time  ;  but  two,  or  at  most  three  recruits  may 
be  united  when  the  number  is  great  compared  with 
that  of  the  instructors.  In  this  case  the  recruits 
will  be  placed  in  a  single  rank,  at  one  pace  apart. 
The  recruit,  or  recruits,  in  this  part,  will  be  with- 
out arms. 

Position  of  the  Soldier. 

Heels  on  the  same  line,  and  as  close  together  as 
the  conformation  of  the  man  may  permit ;  the  feet 
forming  with  each  other  something  less  than  a 
right-angle,  the  toes  equally  turned  out ;  the  knees 
straight  without  stiffness ;  the  body  erect  on  the 
hips,  the  upper  part  inclining  a  little  forward ;  the 
shoulders  square  and  falling  equally ;  arms  hang- 
ing naturally,  elbows  near  the  body,  the  palm  of  the 
hand  turned  a  little  to  the  front,  the  little  finger 
behind  the  seam  of  the  pantaloons,  or  the  centre 
of  the  thigh ;  the  face  well  to  tho  front,  the  chin 


10  THE    RECEUIT.  •  > 

a  little  drawn  in  without  constraint,  and  the  eyea 
striking  the  ground  at  the  distance  of  fifteen  paces. 

Remarks, 

Heels  on  the  same  lAne; 

Because,  if  one  were  in  the  rear  of  the  other,  the 
ehoulder  on  that  side  would  be  thrown  back,  or  the 
position  of  the  soldier  would  be  constrained. 

Heels  more  or  less  closed  ; 

Because,  men  who  are  knock-kneed,  or  who 
have  legs  with  large  calves,  cannot,  without  con- 
straint, make  their  heels  touch  while  standing. 

Toes  equally  turned  out,  and  not  forming  too  large  an  angle; 

Because,  if  one  toe  were  turned  out  more  than 
the  other,  a  shoulder  would  be  deranged,  and  if 
both  toes  be  too  much  turned  out,  it  would  not  be 
practicable  to  incline  the  upper  part  of  the  body 
forward  without  rendering  the  whole  position  un- 
steady. 

Knees  extended  without  stiffness  ; 

Because,  if  stiffened,  constraint  and  fatigue 
would  be  unavoidable. 

The  body  erect  on  the  hips  ; 

Because,  it  gives  equilibrium  to  the  position. 
The  instructor  will  observe  that  many  recruits 
have  the  bad  habit  of  dropping  a  shoulder,  of  draw- 
ing in  a  side,  or  of  advancing  a  hip,  particularly 
the  left,  when  under  arms.  These  are  defects 
which  he  will  labor  to  correct. 


THE   RECRUIT.  11 

The  upper  part  of  the  body  inclined  forward  ; 

Because,  commonly  recruits  are  disposed  to  do 
the  reverse,  to  project  the  belly,  and  to  throw  back 
the  shoulders  when  they  wish  to  hold  themselves 
erect — great  inconveniences  in  marching,  as  will 
be  explained  in  the  remarks  on  the  princinles  of 
the  step.  The  habit  of  inclining  forward  the  upper 
part  of  the  body  is  so  important  to  contract,  that 
the  instructor  must  enforce  it  at  the  beginning, 
particularly  with  recruits  who  have  naturally  the 
opposite  habit. 

Shoulders  square  ; 

Because,  if  the  shoulders  be  advanced  beyond 
the  line  of  the  breast,  and  the  back  arched  (the 
defect  called  round-shouldered,  not  uncommon 
among  recruits),  the  man  cannot  align  himself, 
nor  use  his  piece  with  address.  It  is  important, 
then,  to  correct  this  defect,  and  necessary  to  that 
end  that  the  coat  should  sit  easy  about  the  shoul- 
ders and  arm-pits ;  but,  in  correcting  this  defect, 
the  instructor  will  take  care  that  the  shoulders  be 
not  thrown  too  much  to  the  rear,  which  would 
cause  the  belly  to  project,  and  the  small  of  the 
back  to  be  curved. 

The  arms  hanging  naturally,  elbows  near  the  body,  the  palm  of 
the  hand  a  little  turned  to  the  front,  the  little  finger  behind  the 
seam  of  the  pantaloons  ; 

Because,  these  positions  are  equally  important 
to  the  shoulder-arms,  and  to  prevent  the  man  from 
occupying  more  space  in  a  rank  than  is  necessary 
to  a  free  use  of  the  piece ;  they  have,  moreover, 
the  advantage  of  keeping  in  the  shoulders. 


12  THE    RECRUIT. 

The  face  well  to  the  fronts  the  chin  a  little  drawn  in,  wiUiout 
constraint ; 

Because,  if  there  be  stiffness  in  the  latter  posi- 
tion, it  would  communicate  itself  to  the  whole  of 
the  upper  part  of  the  body,  embarrass  its  move- 
ments, and  give  pain  and  fatigue. 

Eijes  cast  direct  to  the  front ; 

Because,  this  is  the  surest  means  of  maintaining 
the  shoulders  in  line — an  essential  object,  to  be 
insisted  on  and  attained. 

1.  Eyes — ^RiGHT.     2.  Front. 

At  the  word  rights  turn  the  head  gently  to  the 
right,  so  as  to  bring  the  inner  corner  of  the  left  eye 
in  a  line  with  the  centre  of  the  body,  the  eyes  fixed 
on  the  line  of  the  eyes  of  the  men  in,  or  supposed 
to  be  in,  the  same  rank. 

At  the  word  front,  resume  the  direct  position. 

Eyes — Left  will  be  executed  by  inverse  means. 

The  instructor  will  take  care  that  the  movement 
of  the  head  does  not  derange  the  squareness  of  the 
shoulders. 

Rest. 

At  the  word  rest,  carry  the  right  foot  six  inches 
in  rear  of  the  left  heel,  cross  the  hands  in  front, 
the  backs  of  tliem  outward,  the  left  hand  upper- 
most, and  stand  at  ease. 

1.  Attention.    2.  Squad. 
At  the  first  word,  the  recruit  will  fix  his  atton- 


THE    RECKUIT.  13 

tion ;  at  the  second,  he  will  resume  the  prescribed 
position  and  steadiness. 


Facings. 

1.  Squad  by  the  right  (  or  left)  flank     2.  Right 
(or  leff) — Face. 

At  the  second  command,  the  recruit  will  turn 
on  the  left  heel,  raising  a  little  the  left  toe,  and  at 
the  same  time  bring  the  right  heel  to  the  side  of 
the  left,  and  on  the  same  line,  so  that  this  new 
line  of  the  heels  shall  be  exactly  at  right  angles 
with  their  former  line. 


1.   Squad.     2.  About — Face. 

At  the  word  about,  turn  on  the  left  heel,  brmg 
the  left  toe  to  the  front,  carry  the  right  foot  to  the 
rear,  the  hollow  opposite  to,  and  three  inches  from 
the  left  heel,  the  feet  square  to  each  other  ;  seize 
at  the  same  time  the  inner  corner  of  the  cartridge 
box  with  the  right  hand. 

At  the  word  face,  turn  on  both  heels,  raise  the 
toes  a  little,  extend  the  thighs  and  face  to  the  rear; 
bring  the  right  heel  by  the  side  of  the  left,  and  quit 
the  hold  of  the  cartridge  box. 

When  under  arms,  turn  the  left  hand  at  the  word 
about,  as  in  the  first  motion  of  present  arms,  and 
replace  the  hand  and  piece  at  the  instant  of  bring- 
ing the  right  heel  to  the  side  of  the  left. 

The  instructor  will  take  care  that  these  motions 
do  not  derange  the  erect  position  of  the  body. 


14  THE   RECRUIT. 

Principles  of  the  Direct  Step. 

The  length  of  the  direct  step,  or  pace,  in  com- 
mon time,  is  twenty-eight  inches,  reckoning  from 
heel  to  heel,  and  in  swiftness,  at  the  rate  of  ninety 
in  a  minute. 

The  instructor  will  place  himself  ten  or  twelve 
paces  from,  and  facing  to  the  recruit,  he  will  ex- 
plain minutely  the  principle  and  mechanism  of  the 
step ;  he  will  himself  execute  slowly  the  step  in 
the  way  of  illustration,  and  then  command  : 

1.  Squad,  forward.     2.  March. 

At  the  first  command,  feel  the  weight  of  the 
body  on  the  right  leg,  without  bending  the  left 
knee. 

At  the  second  command,  step  off  with  the  left 
foot,  and  carry  it  straight  forward  (the  body  moving 
at  the  same  instant),  the  sole  near  the  ground,  the 
thighs  extended,  the  toes  pointed  a  little  down- 
wards and  slightly  turned  out,  plant  the  foot  flat, 
without  shock,  twenty-eight  inches  from  the  right. 
Next  advance  the  riglit  foot  and  plant  it  as  above, 
the  heel  twenty-eight  inches  from  the  heel  of  the 
left  foot,  and  thus  continue  to  march  without  cross- 
ing the  legs,  or  striking  the  one  against  the  other, 
without  turning  the  shoulders,  and  preserving  al- 
ways the  face  direct  to  the  front. 

1.  Squad,    2.  Halt. 
At  the  command  halt,  which  will  be  given  as  a 
foot  is  coming  to  the  ground,  stop  short  on  the  foot 
then  forward  and  bring  up  the  foot  in  rear  to  the 
side  of  the  other  without  shock. 


THE   RECRUIT.  16 

Remarks. 

Feel  the  weight  of  the  body  on  the  right  leg  at  the  command 
^'- forward  ;^* 

In  order  to  prepare  for  taking  more  smartly  the 
first  step,  which  is  essential  in  a  body  of  men. 

The  toes  depressed,  without  constraint  or  affectation  ; 

Because,  the  depression  of  the  toes  extends  the 
thighs,  and  prepares  the  foot  for  coming  flat  to  the 
ground. 

The  toes  and  knee  slightly  turned  out ; 

Because,  if  too  much  turned,  it  would  render  the 
body  unsteady. 

The  upper  part  of  the  body  forward  ; 

To  the  end  that  its  weight  may  fall  on  the  foot, 
when  planted  on  the  ground,  that  the  foot  in  the 
rear  may  be  easily  raised,  and  that  the  step  be  not 
shortened. 

To  march  with  the  thigh  extended  ; 

Because,  a  rank  cannot,  without  jostling  and 
separating  elbows,  march,  as  each  man  would,  by 
himself,  walk ;  and  as  no  two  men  walk  precisely 
in  the  same  manner,  it  is  essential  that  recruits 
learn  to  march  in  a  uniform  step,  marked  and 
cadenced,  without  which  there  would  be  no  har- 
mony of  movement  (ensemble). 

To  pass  the  foot  near  the  ground  ; 

Because,  if  the  foot  were  raised  more  than  ne- 
cessary,   time   would    be  lost,  and  the   soldiers 


16  THE   RECKUIT. 

fatigued  uselessly.     Besides,  without  some  fixed 

{)rinciple,  some  would  raise  the  feet  and  bend  the 
mee  more,  and  others  less;  the  feet  would  not 
come  to  the  ground  at  the  same  instant,  and  thus 
there  would  be  a  loss  of  cadence  and  harmony. 

To  plant  the  foot  fiat,  without  shock  ; 

In  order  to  avoid  the  wavering  of  the  body, 
which  would  necessarily  happen  if  the  heel  first 
reaches  the  ground,  or  if  the  flat  of  the  foot  comes 
down  with  a  shock.  The  latter  fault  would  be 
attended  with  the  inconvenience  of  much  useless 
fatigue,  besides  a  loss  of  cadence. 

The  face  or  eyes  direct  to  the  front ; 

Because,  this  position  of  the  head  prevents  the 
shoulders  from  turning,  and  assures  the  direct 
march  to  the  front. 

The  instructor  will  indicate,  from  time  to  time, 
to  the  recruit,  the  cadence  of  the  step  by  giving 
the  command  one,  two,  observing  the  cadence  of 
ninety  steps  in  a  minute. 

The  Oblique  Step, 

I.  Right  oblique.     2.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  given  at  the  instant  the 
left  foot  comes  to  tlie  ground,  carry  the  right  foot 
obliquely  to  the  right  and  front,  twenty-six  inches 
from  the  left,  and  eiuliteen  inches  on  that  side, 
turnin<j;  the  toes  iothv  front  in  order  to  keep  square 
the  riglit  shoulder ;  lu^xt  carry  the  left  foot,  by  the 
shortest  line,  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the  right 
heel. 


THE    RECRUIT.  17 

The  oblique  march  to  the  left  will  be  executed 
according  to  the  same  principles ;  the  command 
niarchi  will  be  given  at  the  instant  the  right  foot 
comes  to  the  ground,  and  care  taken  to  keep  for- 
ward the  left  shoulder. 

When  the  recruit  shall  be  well  established  in 
the  oblique  stej),  the  instructor  need  not  too  rigor- 
ously observe  the  lengths  prescribed  for  it.  He 
will  give  as  an  essential  principle,  to  gain  as  much 
ground  as  possible  to  the  right  (or  left),  and  pro- 
portionally less  to  the  front,  without  deranging  the 
line  of  the  shoulders  or  position  of  the  head,  which 
must  always  be  the  same  as  in  the  direct  march. 

To  resume  the  Direct  March. 

1.  Forward.     2.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  given  at  the  instant 
either  foot  comes  to  the  ground,  resume  the  direct 
march. 

Principles  of  Shouldered  Arms. 

The  recruit  being  in  the  position  of  the  soldier, 
the  instructor  will  cause  him  to  turn  up  tlie  left 
hand  and  bend  the  arm  a  little,  the  left  fore-arm 
only  acting-.  The  instructor  will  raise  the  piece 
perpendicularly,  and  place  it  as  follows  : 

The  piece  in  the  left  hand,  the  arm  but  a  very 
little  bent,  the  elbow  back,  near  the  body,  the  palm 
of  the  hand  pressing  on  the  outer  flat  of  the  butt ; 
the  outer  edge  of  the  butt  on  the  upper  joints  of  the 
fingers,  (the  inner  edge  on  the  lower  joints  of  the 
fingers,  and  the  ends  inside),  the  heel  of  the  butt 
2 


18  THE   KECRUIT. 

between  the  fore  and  middle  fingers,  the  thumb  on 
the  front  screw  of  the  butt  plate,  the  remaining 
fingers  under  the  butt,  the  butt  more  or  less  kept 
back,  according  to  the  conformation  of  the  recruit, 
BO  that  the  piece,  seen  from  the  front  (or  side), 
shall  appear  perpendicular,  and  also  that  the 
movement  of  the  thigh,  in  marching,  may  not  raise 
it  or  cause  it  to  waver  ;  the  stock,  below  the  tail- 
band,  resting  against  the  hollow  of  the  shoulder, 
just  within  the  joint,  the  right  arm  hanging  natu- 
rally, as  prescribed  in  the  position  of  the  soldier. 

Manual  of  Arms, 

The  manual  of  arms  will  be  taught  to  two  men 
placed  in  the  same  rank,  elbow  to  elbow,  and  next 
in  two  ranks,  that  is  one  thirteen  inches  behind 
the  other. 

Each  command  will  be  executed  in  one  time  (or 
pause),  which  will  be  divided  into  motions,  the 
better  to  make  known  tl^a  mechanism. 

The  rate  (or  swiftness)  of  each  motion,  with  the 
exceptions  herein  indicated,  is  fixed  at  the  ninetieth 
part  of  a  minute ;  but,  in  order  not  to  fatigue  the 
attention,  the  instructor  will,  at  first,  look  more 
particularly  to  the  execution  of  the  motions,  with- 
out requiring  a  nice  observance  of  the  cadence,  to 
which  he  will  bring  the  recruits  progressively,  and 
after  they  shall  have  become  a  little  familiarized 
with  the  handling  of  the  piece. 

The  motions  relative  to  the  cartridge,  to  the 
rammer,  and  the  fixing  and  unfixing  of  the  bayonet, 
cannot  (well)  be  executed  at  the  rate  prescribed. 
The  instructor  will,  however,  labor  to  cause  tliese 


THE    RECRUIT.  19 

motions  to  be  executed  with  promptness,  and, 
above  all,  with  regularity. 

In  all  the  other  time*  (or  pauses),  in  the  manual 
of  arms,  which  are  composed  of  three  or  four  mo- 
tions, the  first  two  motions  will  be  a  little  quick- 
ened. 

The  last  syllable  of  the  command  will  decide  the 
brisk  execution  of  the  first  motion  of  each  time  (or 
pause).  The  commands  two,  three,  and  four,  will 
decide  the  brisk  execution  of  the  other  motions. 
As  soon  as  the  recruits  shall  well  comprehend  the 
positions  of  the  several  motions,  they  will  not  rest 
on  the  motions ;  the  mechanism  of  the  time  will 
nevertheless  be  observed,  as  well  to  give  a  perfect 
use  of  the  piece,  as  to  avoid  the  sinking  of,  or 
slurring  over,  either  of  the  motions. 

Before  proceeding  to  the  manual  of  arms,  the 
recruits,  at  shouldered  arms,  repeat  the  movements 
of  eyes — right,  left,  2iud  front,  and  the  facings. 

Present — Arms  . 

First  Motion. — Turn  the  piece  with  the  left 
hand,  the  lock  out,  and  seize  the  small  at  the  same 
time  wifh  the  right  hand,  the  piece  perpendicular 
and  detached  from  the  shoulder,  the  left  hand 
remaining  under  the  butt. 

Second  Motion. — Complete  the  turning  inwards 
of  the  piece,  so  as  to  bring  it  erect  before  the  cen- 
tre of  the  body,  the  rammer  to  the  front,  the  right 
hand  under  and  against  the  guard  ;  seize  it  smartly 
at  the  sam.e  time  with  the  left  hand  above  the  lock, 
the  little  finger  against  the  feather-spring,  the 
thumb  extended  along  the  barrel  and  on  the  stock, 


20  THE    RECRUIT. 

the  fore-arm  resting  on  the  body  without  constraint, 
and  the  hand  at  the  height  of  the  elbow. 

Shoulder — Arms. 

First  Motion. — Turn  the  piece  with  the  right 
hand,  the  barrel  out ;  (with  the  thumb  on  the  S 
plate,  and  the  fore-finger  against  the  cock),  raise 
and  support  it  against  the  left  shoulder  with  the 
right  hand,  drop  the  left  hand  under  the  butt,  the 
right  hand  resting  on,  without  grasping  the  small. 

Second  Motion. — Drop  quickly  the  right  hand 
into  its  position. 

Support — Arms  . 

First  Motion. — With  the  right  hand  seize  briskly 
the  small  of  the  stock,  four  inches  below  the  lock, 
raising  a  little,  but  not  turning  the  piece. 

Second  Motion. — Take  the  left  hand  from  the 
butt ;  extend  the  left  fore-arm  upwards  across  the 
body,  under  the  cock,  the  hand  flat  on  the  right 
breast. 

Third  Motion. — Drop  the  right  arm  smartly  into 
its  position. 

REST. 

At  the  command  rest,  carry  the  right  foot  six 
inches  in  rear  of  the  left  heel,  bring  up  smartly 
the  right  hand  to  the  small  of  the  stock,  and  stand 
at  ease. 

1.  Attention.     2.  Squad. 
At  the  first  command  the  recruit  will  fix  his 


THE    RECRUIT.  31 

attention ;  at  the  second  he  will  resume  the  posi- 
tion of  the  third  motion  of  support  arms. 

Carry — Arms. 

First  Motion. — CaiTy  quickly  the  right  hand  to 
the  small. 

Second  Motion. — ^Place  quickly  the  left  hand 
upon  the  butt. 

Third  Motion. — Let  fall  smartly  the  right  hand 
into  its  position,  and  drop  with  the  left,  at  the  same 
time,  the  piece  into  the  position  of  shoulder  arms. 

Order — Arms. 

First  Motion. — ^Drop  the  piece  smartly  by  ex- 
tending the  left  arm,  seize  it  at  the  same  time  with 
the  right  hand  above  and  near  the  tail-band; 
(without  the  least  pause)  quit  the  hold  of  the  left 
hand,  and  carry  the  piece  opposite  to  the  right 
shoulder,  the  rammer  in  front,  the  little  finger  be- 
hind the  barrel,  the  right  hand  supported  against 
the  hip,  the  butt  three  inches  from  the  ground,  the 
piece  erect,  the  left  hand  hanging  by  the  side. 

Second  Motion. — Let  the  piece  slip  through  the 
right  hand  to  the  ground  without  shock,  and  take 
the  position  about  to  be  described. 

Position  of  Order  Arms. 

The  hand  low,  the  barrel  between  tlie  thumb 
and  fore-finger  extended  along  the  stock ;  the  other 
fingers  extended  and  joined;  the  muzzle  about 
two  inches  from  the  right  shoulder ;  the  rammer 
in  front ;  the  toe  (or  beak)  of  the  butt,  against,  and 


22  THE   KECRUIT. 

in  a  line  with,  the  toe  of  the  right  foot,  the  barrel 
perpendicular. 

REST. 

At  the  command  rest,  carry  the  right  foot  six 
inches  in  rear  of  the  left  heel,  the  piece  resting 
against  the  hollow  of  the  right  shoulder,  the  hands 
crossed  in  front,  the  backs  of  them  outward,  the 
left  hand  uppermost,  and  stand  at  ease. 

Attention.     2.  Squad. 

At  the  second  w^ord,  the  refer uits  will  resume 
the  position  of  order  arms. 

Shoulder — Arms. 

First  Motion. — Raise  smartly  the  piece  with  the 
right  hand,  carry  it  against  the  left  shoulder,  turn- 
ing it,  so  as  to  bring  the  barrel  to  the  front ;  place 
at  the  same  time  the  left  hand  under  the  butt,  and 
slip  the  right  hand  down  to  tlie  lock. 

Second  Motion. — Let  fall  smartly  the  right  hand 
into  its  position. 

Charge — Bayonet. 

First  Motion. — Make  a  half  face  to  the  right  on 
the  left  heel,  bring  the  left  toe  to  the  front,  place 
at  the  same  time  the  right  foot  behind,  and  at  riglil 
angles  with  the  left,  the  hollow  of  the  right  loot 
opposite  to,  and  about  three  inches  from  the  left 
heel ;  turn  the  piece  with  the  left  hand,  the  lock 
outwards,  and  seize  tlie  handle  at  the  same  time 


THE    RECRIHT.  23 

with  the  right  hand,  the  piece  perpendicular,  and 
detached  from  the  shoulder;  leave  the  left  hand 
under  the  butt. 

Second  Motion. — Bring  down  the  piece  with  the 
right  hand  into  the  left,  the  latter  seizing  it  a  little 
in  advance  of  the  tail-band,  the  barrel  up,  tlie  left 
elbow  near  the  body,  the  right  hand  supported 
against  the  hip,  the  point  of  the  bayonet  at  the 
height  of  the  eye.  The  recruits  of  the  rear  rank 
will  take  care  not  to  touch  their  file-leaders  with 
the  points  of  their  bayonets. 

Shoulder — Arms. 

First  Motion. — ^Face  to  the  front  by  turning  on 
the  left  heel,  bring  up  the  right  by  the  side  of  the 
left  heel ;  at  the  same  time  spring  up  the  piece 
,  with  the  (left  hand  into  the  right,  the  cock  falling 
on  the  fore-finger,  the  thumb  on  the  S  plate,  and 
carry  it  with  the)  right  hand  to  the  left  shoulder ; 
place  the  left  hand  under  the  butt. 

Second  Motion. — Let  fall  smartly  the  right  hand 
into  its  position. 

Trail — Arms. 

First  Motion. — As  the  first  motion  of  order 
arms. 

Second  Motion. — ^Incline  a  little  the  muzzle  to 
the  front,  the  butt  to  the  rear,  and  about  three 
inches  from  the  ground,  the  right  hand  supported 
at  the  hip,  will  sustain  the  piece  so  that  the  men 
in  the  rear  rank  may  not  touch  with  their  bayonets 
the  men  in  front  of  them. 


24  THE    RECRUIT. 

Shoulder — Arms. 

At  the  command  shoulder,  raise  the  piece  per- 
pendicularly in  the  right  hand ;  at  the  command 
arms,  execute  what  is  prescribed  for  the  shoulder 
from  the  position  of  order  arms. 

To  Right  Shoulder,  shift— Arms, 

First  Motion. — Turn  the  piece  with  the  left 
hand,  lock  to  the  front,  seize  it  at  the  same  time 
with  the  right  hand  at  the  small. 

Second  Motion. — With  the  right  hand  place  the 
piece  on  the  right  shoulder,  the  left  hand  not  quit- 
ting the  butt,  the  cock  above  and  resting  on  the 
shoulder,  the  muzzle  up  ;  (slip  the  right  hand  down 
to  the  toe  of  the  butt),  and  sustain  the  piece  in  this 
position  by  placing  the  right  hand  on  the  flat  of  the 
butt,  so  that  the  toe  of  the  butt  may  be  between 
the  first  two  fingers,  the  other  two  on  the  butt- 
plate. 

Third  Motion.— Let  fall  the  left  hand  by  tha 
side. 

Shoulder — Arms. 

First  Motion. — Raise  the  piece  and  extend  tha 
right  arm,  seize  it  with  the  left  hand  above  the 
lock. 

Second  Motion. — Carry  the  piece  against  the 
left  shoulder,  turning  the  barrel  to  the  front  (in 
turning  place  the  thumb  on  the  S  plate),  the  riffht 
hand  being  at  tlie  small,  place  the  left  hand  under 
the  butt. 

Third  Motion. — Let  the  right  hand  fall  into  its 
position. 


THE   RECRUIT.  26 

Arms — At  will. 

Carry  the  piece  at  pleasure  on  eitlier  shoulder, 
with  one  or  both  hands,  the  muzzle  always  well 
up. 

Shoulder — Arms. 

Retake  smartly  the  position  of  shoulder  arms. 
Unfix — ^Bayonet. 

First  Motion. — Drop  the  piece  by  a  smart  ex- 
tension of  the  left  arm,  seize  it  with  the  right  hand 
above  and  near  the  tail-band. 

Second  Motion. — Drop  the  piece  with  the  right 
hand  along  the  left  thigh,  seize  it  with  the  left 
hand  above  the  right,  lengthen  out  the  left  arm, 
rest  the  butt  on  the  ground,  without  shock,  and 
carry  at  the  same  time  the  right  hand  to  the  bayo- 
net, seize  it  at  the  socket  and  shank,  so  that  the 
lower  end  of  the  socket  may  be  about  an  inch  be- 
low the  heel  of  the  palm,  and  that,  in  wresting  off 
the  bayonet,  the  thumb  may  be  extended  on  the 
blade. 

Third  Motion. — Wrest  off  the  bayonet,  return 
it  to  the  scabbard,  place  immediately  the  right  little 
finger  on  the  butt  of  the  rammer,  lower  the  left 
hand  along  the  barrel,  in  extending  the  arm,  without 
depressing  the  shoulder. 

Shoulder — Arms. 

First  Motion. — Raise  the  piece  with  the  left 
hand,  along  the  left  side,  the  hand  at  the  height  of 
the  chin,  the  fore-arm  touching  the  piece,  the  bar- 


26  THE   RECRUIT. 

rel  to  the  front ;  drop  at  the  same  time  the  right 
hand  to  seize  the  piece  a  little  above  the  small,  the 
fore-finger  touching  the  cock,  and  the  thumb  on 
the  S  plate. 

Second  Motion. — Raise  the  piece  with  the  right 
hand,  drop  the  left,  and  place  it  under  the  butt ; 
support  the  piece  with  the  right  hand  against  the 
shoulder,  in  the  position  prescribed  for  shoulder 
arms,  the  right  hand  resting  on,  without  grasping, 
the  piece. 

Third  Motion. — Let  fall  smartly  the  right  hand 
into  its  position  by  the  side  of  the  thigh. 

Secure — Arms. 

First  Motion. — Seize  quickly  the  piece  with  the 
right  hand,  the  thumb  on  the  S  plate,  and  the  fore- 
finger against  the  cock ;  detach  the  piece  from  the 
shoulder  at  the  same  instant,  the  barrel  to  the  front, 
seize  it  at  the  tail-band  with  the  left  hand,  the 
thumb  extended  on  the  rammer,  the  piece  erect, 
opposite  to  the  shoulder,  the  left  elbow  on  the 
piece. 

Second  Motion. — Reverse  the  piece,  pass  it  un- 
der the  left  arm,  the  left  hand  remaining  at  the 
tail-band,  the  tliumb  on  the  rammer  to  prevent  it 
from  sliding  out,  the  little-finger  resting  against 
the  hip,  and  the  right  hand  falling  at  the  same 
time  into  its  position. 

Shoulder — Arms. 

First  Motion. — Raise  the  piece  with  the  left 
hand,  but  not  too  suddenly,  lest  the  rammer  should 


THE    RECRUIT.  27 

fly  out;  seize  the  small  with  the  right  hand  to 
support  it  against  the  shoulder,  quit  the  hold  of  the 
left  hand,  and  place  quickly  this  hand  under  the 
butt. 

Second  Motion. — Let  fall  smartly  the  right  hand 
into  its  position ;  drop  at  the  same  time  the  piece 
into  the  position  of  shouldered  arms. 

Fix — Bayonet. 

First  and  Second  Motions. — As  the  first  and 
second  motions  of  unfix  haijonet^  except  that  at  the 
end  of  the  second  motion  the  right  hand  will  go  to 
seize  the  bayonet  by  the  socket  and  shank,  so  that 
the  lower  (now  upper)  end  of  the  socket  shall  ex- 
tend about  an  inch  above  the  heel  of  the  palm. 

Third  Motion. — Draw  the  bayonet  from  the 
scabbard,  carry  and  fix  it  on  the  muzzle  ;  place  the 
right  little-finger  on  the  butt  of  the  rammer. 

Shoulder — Arms. 
As  shoulder  arms  in  unfix  bayonet. 

Load  in  Twelve  Times, 
1.  Load. 

First  Motion. — As  the  first  motion  of  charge 
bayonet,  except  that  the  hollow  of  the  right  foot 
will  be  brought  up  against  the  left  heel. 

Second  Motion. — Bring  down  the  piece  with  the 
right  hand  into  the  left,  which  will,  at  the  instant, 
seize  it  at  the  tail-band,  the  thumb  extended  on  the 
stock,  the  butt  under  the  right  fore-arm,  the  small 


28  THE    RECRUIT. 

against  the  body,  and  about  two  inches  under  the 
right  breast,  the  muzzle  at  the  height  of  the  eye, 
the  guard  turned  a  little  out,  the  left  elbow  sup- 
ported against  the  side.  At  the  instant  the  piece 
falls  into  the  left  hand,  the  right  thumb  will  be 
placed  on  the  steel  above  the  flint,  the  other  fingers 
closed,  the  right  fore-arm  along  the  butt. 

2.  Open — Pan. 

Open  the  pan  by  pushing  forward  the  steel  with 
the  right  thumb,  the  left  hand  resisting  and  holding 
the  piece  firm ;  draw  back  immediately  the  right 
elbow,  carry  the  hand  to  the  cartridge-box  in  pass- 
ing it  between  the  butt  and  the  body,  and  open  the 
box. 

3.  Handle — Cartridge. 

Seize  the  cartridge  with  the  thumb  and  the  two 
next  fingers,  and  place  it  between  the  teeth,  the 
right  hand  passing  between  the  butt  and  the  body, 

4.  Tear — Cartridge. 

Tear  the  paper  down  to  the  powder,  hold  the 
cartridge  upright  between  the  thumb  and  next  two 
fingers,  near  the  top;  in  this  position  place  it 
against  the  pan,  the  palm  of  the  right  hand  turned 
towards  the  body,  the  right  elbow  supported  on  the 
butt. 

6.  Prime. 

Drop  the  head  a  little,  fix  the  eyes  on  the  pan, 
till  it  with  powder,  press  together  tlie  top  of  the 
cartridge  with  the  thumb  and  fore-finger,  raise  th* 


THE    RECRUIT.  29 

head,  and  place  the  last  two  fingers  of  the  right 
hand  firmly  behind  and  against  the  steel. 

6.   Shut—VAi/i. 

Resistmg  the  motion  with  the  left  hand,  shut  the 
pan  smartly  with  the  fingers  behind  the  steel, 
holding  carefully  the  cartridge  witli  the  two  next 
fingers  and  the  thumb  ;  seize  immediately  the 
small  with  the  two  remaining  fingers  and  the 
palm  of  the  right  hand,  the  right  wrist  touching 
the  body,  the  elbow  back,  and  a  little  detached 
from  the  body. 

7.   Cast — About. 

First  Motion. — ^Pass  the  piece  along  the  left 
thigh,  after  bringing  it  upright  near  the  body ;  to 
effect  this  press  the  butt  strongly,  extending  smartly 
the  right  arm,  without  lowering  the  shoulder ;  turn 
at  the  same  time  the  rammer  towards  the  body, 
open  the  left  hand  to  let  the  piece  slide  through  it 
towards  and  near  the  middle-band,  the  elbow  re- 
maining near  the  body  (and  on  the  piece),  the  cock 
bearing  on  the  right  thumb ;  at  the  same  instant 
face  to  the  front,  turning  on  the  left  heel,  and  carry 
the  right  foot  forward,  the  heel  against  the  hollow 
of  the  left  foot. 

Second  Motion, — Quit  the  hold  of  the  right  hand ; 
through  the  left  let  the  piece  descend  to  the  ground, 
without  shock,  along  and  near  the  body ;  raising 
at  the  same  time  the  right  hand  to  the  height  of, 
and  near  the  muzzle,  holding  the  top  of  the  cart- 
ridge up.  the  left  hand  against  the  body,  tlie  piece 


30  THE   RECRUIT. 

touching  the  left  thigh,  the  muzzle  opposite  to  the 
centre  of  the  body. 

8.   Charge — Cartridge. 

Fix  the  eye  on  the  muzzle,  turn  quickly  the 
back  of  the  right  hand  towards  the  body,  in  order 
to  discharge  the  powder  into  the  barrel,  raise  the 
elbow  to  the  height  of  the  v/rist,  shake  the  cart- 
ridge, force  it  into  the  muzzle,  and  leave  the  hand 
reversed,  the  fingers  closed,  but  not  clenched  (the 
fore-finger  on  the  butt  of  the  rammer). 

9.  Draw — Rammer. 

First  Motion. — Drop  smartly  the  right  elbow, 
and  seize  the  rammer  betw^een  the  thumb  and  fore 
finger  bent,  the  other  fingers  shut ;  draw  it  smartly, 
extending  the  arm  ;  seize  the  rammer  again  at  the 
middle,  between  the  thumb  and  fore-finger,  the 
hand  reversed,  the  palm  to  the  front,  the  nails  up, 
the  eyes  following  the  movement  of  the  hand  ;  clear 
the  rammer  from  the  pipes  by  again  extending  the 
arm. 

Second  Motion. — Turn  rapidly  the  rammer  be- 
tween the  bayonet  and  the  face,  closing  the  fingers, 
the  rammer  of  the  rear-rank  man  grazing  the  right 
shoulder  of  the  man  of  the  same  file  in  front,  re- 
spectively, the  rammer  parallel  to  the  bayonet,  the 
arm  extended,  the  butt  of  the  rammer  opposite  to 
the  muzzle,  but  not  yet  inserted,  the  eyes  fixed  on 
the  muzzle. 

Third  Motion. — Insert  the  butt  of  the  rammer, 
and  force  it  down  as  low  as  the  hand. 


THE    RECRUIT.  31 

10.  Ram — Cartridge. 

Extend  the  arm  to  its  full  length  to  seize  the 
rammer  between  the  right  thumb  extended  and  the 
fore-finger  bent,  the  other  fingers  closed;  with 
force  ram  home  twice  (the  right  elbow  down  and 
near  the  piece),  and  seize  the  rammer  at  the  little 
end,  between  the  thumb  and  fore-finger  bent,  the 
other  fingers  closed,  the  right  elbow  touching  the 
body. 

11.  Return — Rammer. 

Fin'.t  Motion. — Draw  briskly  the  rammer,  re- 
seize  it  at  the  middle  between  the  thumb  and  fore- 
finger, the  hand  reversed,  the  palm  to  the  front,  the 
nails  up,  the  eyes  following  the  movement  of  the 
hand,  clear  the  rammer  from  the  barrel  by  extend- 
ing the  arni. 

Second  Motion. — Turn  rapidly  the  rammer  be- 
tween the  bayonet  and  the  face,  closing  the  fingers, 
the  rammer  of  the  rear-rank  man  grazing  the  right 
shoulder  of  the  man  of  the  same  file  in  front,  the 
rammer  parallel  to  the  bayonet,  the  arm  extended, 
the  little  end  of  the  rammer  opposite  to  the  first 
pipe,  but  not  yet  inserted,  the  eyes  fixed  on  that 
pipe. 

Third  Motion. — Insert  the  little  end,  and  with 
the  thumb,  which  will  follow  the  movement,  force 
it  as  low  as  the  middle  band  ;  raise  quickly  the 
hand  a  little  bent,  place  the  little  f  iiger  on  the  butt 
of  the  rammer,  and  force  it  down :  lower  the  left 
hand  on  the  barrel  to  the  extent  of  the  arm,  without 
depressinff  the  shoulder. 


32  THE    RECRUIT. 

12.  Shoulder — Arms. 

First  Motion. — Raise  the  piece  with  the  left 
hand  along  the  left  side,  the  hand  at  the  height  of 
the  chin,  the  fore-arm  touching  the  piece,  the  barrel 
to  the  front ;  drop  at  the  same  time  the  right  hand 
to  seize  the  piece  a  little  above  the  small,  the  fore- 
finger touching  the  cock,  and  the  thumb  on  the  S 
plate. 

Second  Motion. — Raise  the  piece  with  the  right 
hand,  drop  the  left,  and  place  it  under  the  butt, 
bring  back  the  right  heel  to  the  side  of  the  left,  and 
on  the  same  line ;  support  the  piece  with  the  right 
hand  against  the  shoulder,  in  the  position  pre- 
scribed for  shoulder  arms,  the  right  hand  resting 
on,  without  grasping,  the  piece. 

Third  Motion. — Let  fall  smartly  the  right  hand 
into  its  position  by  the  side  of  the  thigh. 

To  Load  in  Four  Times. 

The  object  of  this  is  to  prepaie  the  recruits  to 
load  at  will,  and  to  cause  them  to  distinguish  the 
times  which  require  the  greatest  regularity  and 
attention,  such  as  prime,  charge  ct'  rtridge,  and  ram 
cartridge.     It  will  be  divided  as  lollows : 

The  first  time  will  be  executed  at  the  end  of  the 
command  ;  the  three  others  at  the  words  two,  ihree^ 
and  four. 

1.  Load  in  Four  Times.     2.  Load. 

Execute  the  first  time  of  load,  open  pan,  hnndle 
cartridge,  tear  cartridge,  drop  the  hand  to  the  pan 
and  prime. 


THE   RECRUIT.  33 

TWO. 

Shut  pan,  cast  about,  charge  cartridge,  shake  it 
and  force  it  in. 

THREE. 

Draw  rammer,  enter  it  as  far  as  the  hand,  and 
ram  twice. 

FOUR. 

Return  rammer,  and  shoulder  arms. 
To  Load  at  Will 
1.  Load  at  Will.     2.  Load. 

Execute  the  loading  as  in  four  times,  but  without 
resting  on  the  times. 


First  Motion. — As  the  first  motion  of  the  first 
time  of  load. 

Second  Motion. — Bring  the  piece  with  the  right 
hand  to  the  middle  of  the  body,  place  the  left  hand, 
the  little  finger  touching  the  feather-spring,  the 
thumb  extended  on  the  stock  at  the  height  of  the 
chin,  the  S  plate  almost  turned  towards  the  body, 
the  i*ammer  obliquely  to  the  left  and  front. 

Third  Motion, — Place  the  thumb  on  the  head 
of  the  cock,  the  fore-finger  under  and  on  the  guard, 
the  other  three  fingers  joined  to  the  first,  the  elbow 
at  the  height  of  the  hand. 

Fourth  Motion. — Close  the  right  elbow  smartly 
to  the  body  in  cocking,  seize  the  piece  at  the 
3 


34  THE   RECRUIT. 

small,  let  it  descend  along  the  body  in  the  left 
hand  to  the  tail-band,  which  will  remain  at  the 
height  of  the  shoulder  (and  opposite  to  the  centre 
of  the  body). 

AIM. 

Drop  smartly  the  muzzle,  the  left  hand  remaining 
at  the  tail-band,  support  the  butt  against  the  right 
shoulder,  the  left  elbow  a  little  down,  shut  the  left 
eye,  direct  the  right  along  the  barrel,  drop  the  head 
upon  the  butt  to  catch  the  object,  and  place  the 
fore-finger  on  the  trigger. 

The  rear  rank  will,  at  the  same  time,  carry  the 
right  foot  about  eight  inches  towards  the  left  heel 
of  the  man  next  on  the  right. 


Apply  the  fore-finger  with  force  to  the  trigger 
without  further  lowering  or  turning  the  head,  and 
remain  in  that  position. 


First  Motion. — Bring  back  the  piece  quickly, 
and  take  the  position  of  the  second  motion  of  the 
first  time  of  loading,  except  that  the  right  thumb, 
instead  of  being  placed  against  the  steel,  will  seize 
the  head  of  the  cock  with  the  fore-finger  bent,  and 
the  other  fingers  closed  ;  the  rear  rank  will  bring 
back  the  right  foot  behind  the  left. 

Second  Motion. — Half  cock,  taking  care  not  to 
cock,  carry  the  right  hand  immediately  to  the 
cartridge-box,  passing  it  between  the  butt  and  the 
body,  and  open  the  box. 


THE   RECRUIT.  35 

When,  after  firing,  the  instructor,  instead  of  re- 
loading, shall  wish  to  bring  the  squad  to  a  shoulder, 
he  will  command : 

Shoulder — Arms  . 

At  the  word  shoulder^  take  the  position  of  the 
second  motion  of  the  first  time  of  loading,  half  cock 
as  has  just  been  explained,  shut  pan  and  seize  the 
handle  of  the  piece.  At  the  word  arms,  complete 
the  time,  and  face  to  the  front. 

The  squad  being  in  the  position  of  aim,  to  ha- 
bituate the  recruits  to  wait  for  the  word  fire,  the 
command  is  sometimes  given  : 

Recover — Arms  . 

Withdraw  the  finger  from  the  trigger,  throw  up 
smartly  the  muzzle,  and  retake  the  position  of  the 
fourth  motion  of  ready. 

If  from  this  position  the  squad  is  to  be  brought 
to  a  shoulder,  the  command  is  given : 

Shoulder — Arms. 

At  the  word  shoulder,  face  to  the  front,  bring  the 
piece  to  the  middle  of  the  body,  the  left  thumb  at 
the  height  of  the  chin,  the  little-finger  touching  the 
feather-spring ;  next  place  the  right  thumb  on  the 
head  of  the  cock,  support  the  fore-finger  on  the 
trigger,  sustain  at  the  same  time  the  cock  in  its 
descent  till  the  flint  nearly  touches  the  steel,  raise 
the  cock  to  the  half-cock  notch,  the  reaching  of 
which  will  be  both  felt  and  heard,  and  seize  the 


86  THE    RECRXHT. 

handle  of  the  piece  with  the  right  hand.  At  the 
word  arms^  carry  the  piece  smartly  to  the  shoulder, 
and  retake  the  position  of  shoulder  arms. 

Firings, 
The  firings  are  direct  or  ohlique. 

The  Direct  Fire, 

The  instructor  will  give  the  following  com- 
mands : 

1.  Fire  by  Squad.     2.  Squad.      3.  Ready. 
4.  Aim.     5.  Fire.     6.  Load. 

These  several  commands  will  be  executed  as  has 
been  prescribed  under  manual  of  arms.  At  the 
third  the  men  will  take  the  positions  which  have 
been  indicated ;  after  the  sixth,  they  will  load  and 
shoulder  arms. 

The  Oblique  Fire, 

Oblique  firing  will  be  executed  to  the  right  and 
Ifeft,  and  by  the  same  commands  as  the  fire  direct, 
with  this  single  difference — ^the  command  aim  will 
always  be  preceded  by  the  caution  i^ght  (or  left) 
oblique,  which  will  be  given  after  the  command 
ready. 

Position  of  the  Ranks  in  the  Oblique  Fire  to  the 
Right. 
At  the  command  ready,  both  ranks  execute  what 
has  been  prescribed  for  the  direct  fire. 


THE    RECRUIT.  37 

At  the  cautionary  command  i^ight  oblique,  both 
ranks  throw  back  the  right  shoulder,  and  look 
steadily  at  the  object  at  which  they  ought  to  fire ; 
in  this  position  the  rear  rank  will  be  ready  to  take 
aim  through  the  same  interval  as  in  the  fire  direct, 
though  in  an  oblique  direction. 

At  the  command  aim,  the  front  rank  takes  aim 
to  the  right  without  stirring  the  feet.  The  rear 
rank  man  will  advance  the  left  foot  about  six 
inches  towards  the  right  toe  of  the  man  of  the  front 
rank  in  the  same  file,  incline  the  upper  part  of  the 
body  forward,  in  be-iding  a  little  the  left  knee,  and 
take  aim  to  the  right. 

At  the  command  load,  both  ranks  will  resume 
the  position  which  has  been  prescribed  for  the  fire 
direct;  the  rear  rank  brings  back  the  left  heel 
against  the  hollow  of  the  right  foot,  at  the  instant 
the  piece  is  brought  to  the  priming  position. 

Posiiion  of  the  Ranks  in  the  Oblique  Fire  to  the 
Left. 


At  the  command  ready,  both  ranks  will  execute 
what  has  been  prescribed  for  the  fire  direct. 

At  the  cautionary  command  left  oblique,  both 
ranks  throw  back  the  left  shoulder,  and  look  stea- 
dily at  the  object  on  which  they  ought  to  fire ;  in 
this  position  the  rear  rank  will  be  ready  to  take 
aim  in  the  interval  to  the  left  of  the  men  of  the 
same  file  in  front,  and  in  an  oblique  direction. 

At  the  command  aim,  the  front  rank  takes  aim 
to  the  left  without  moving  the  feet.  The  rear 
rank  men  advance  the  left  Toot  about  six  inches 
towards  the  right  heel  of  the  front  rank  men  of 


38  THE    RECRUIT. 

their  files ;  they  will  advance  also  the  upper  part 
of  the  body  in  bending  a  little  the  left  knee,  and 
take  aim  through  the  intervals  to  the  left  of  their 
file  leaders. 

At  the  command  load,  both  ranks  come  to  the 
priming  position,  the  pieces  still  obliqued  to  the 
left,  and  prime ;  the  rear  rank  brings  back  the  left 
heel  to  the  hollow  of  the  right  foot.  In  casting 
about  both  ranks  take  the  same  position  as  in  the 
fire  direct. 

The  Fire  hy  File. 

1.  Fire  by  File.     2.  Squad.     3.  Ready.     4.  Com 
mence  Firing. 

At  the  command  ready,  both  ranks  take  the  posi 
tion  prescribed  in  the  direct  fire. 

At  the  command  commence  firing,  the  right  file 
will  aim  and  fire,  the  two  men  together ;  the  one 
in  the  rear  rank,  in  taking  aim,  will  carry  the  right 
foot  eight  or  nine  inches  to  the  right ;  the  next  file 
aims  at  the  instant  the  first  has  fired,  and  so  on 
successively  to  the  left ;  after  the  first  fire,  every 
man  will  load  and  fire  without  waiting  for  the 
others.  Each  man  faces  to  the  front  in  casting 
about,  and,  after  returning  the  rammer,  will  spring 
up  his  piece  with  the  left  hand,  causing  it  to  slip 
through  this  hand,  which  will  place  itself  on  tlie 
feather  spring,  and  at  the  height  of  the  chin ;  at 
the  same  tijne  he  will  half  face  to  the  right,  in 
order  to  return  to  the  position  of  ready,  cock  the 
piece  and  resume  the  position  of  ready,  again  pre- 
pared to  fire. 


THE    RECRUIT.  39 

To  Arrest  the  Fire. 

ROLL. 

At  this  command,  the  fire  will  cease  ;  each  man 
will  half  cock,  if  his  piece  be  cocked,  load,  or 
finish  loading,  if  not  already  loaded,  and  shoulder 
arms. 

Remarks, 

With  cartridges,  in  all  the  cases,  it  will  be  en- 
joined on  the  recruit  to  observe,  in  half  cocking,  if 
smoke  issue  from  the  touch  hole,  a  certain  indica- 
tion that  the  piece  has  gone  off;  if  no  smoke  issue, 
instead  of  reloading,  he  will  only  prick  and  prime. 
If,  thinking  that  he  has  fired,  he  put  in  one  cartridge 
on  another,  he  ought  at  least  to  discover  the  error 
by  the  length  of  the  charge,  in  ramming,  and  he 
will  deserve  punishment  if  he  put  in  a  third.  Ac- 
cordingly, the  instructor  will  always  inspect  arms, 
after  tiring  with  cartridge,  to  ascertain  whether 
any  piece  contains  two  or  more  cartridges. 

The  instructor  ought  also  carefully  to  observe 
whether,  in  half  cocking,  the  pieces  have  not  been, 
through  precipitancy,  cocked — a  fault  from  which 
the  most  serious  accidents  might  result. 

Inspection  of  Arms, 

The  squad  being  at  order  arms,  with  bayonets  in 
the  scabbards,  to  cause  an  inspection  of  arms,  the 
instructor  will  command : 


40  THE    RECRUIT. 

Inspection  of— Arms. 

First  motion — Face  to  the  right  once  and  a  half 
on  the  left  heel,  carrying  the  right  foot  perpendicu- 
larly to  the  rear  of  the  alignment,  about  six  inches 
from,  and  at  right  angles  with,  the  left  foot ;  seize 
promptly  the  piece  with  the  left  hand  a  little  above 
the  miadle  band,  incline  the  muzzle  to  the  rear 
without  displacing  the  heel  of  the  butt,  the  rammer 
turned  towards  the  body  ;  carrying  at  the  same 
time  the  right  hand  to  the  bayonet,  and  seize  it  as 
prescribed  inj^o:  bayonet. 

Second  motion — Draw  the  bayonet  from  the 
scabbard,  carry  and  fix  it  on  the  muzzle ;  seize 
next  the  rammer,  draw  it  as  explained  in  loading, 
in  twelve  times,  and  let  it  glide  to  the  bottom  of 
the  bore. 

Third  motion — ^Face  promptly  to  the  front,  seize 
the  piece  with  the  right  hand,  and  retake  the  posi- 
tion of  order  arms. 

The  instructor  will  then  inspect  in  succession 
the  piece  of  each  recruit,  in  passing  along  the 
front  of  the  rank.  Each,  as  the  inspector  reaches 
him,  will  raise  smartly  his  piece  with  his  right 
hand,  seize  it  with  the  left  between  the  tail  band 
and  the  feather  spring,  the  lock  to  the  front,  the 
left  hand  at  the  height  of  the  chin,  the  piece  oppo- 
site the  left  eye ;  the  inspector  takes  it  with  the 
right  hand  at  the  handle,  and  after  inspecting  it, 
returns  it  to  the  recruit,  who  will  receive  it  back 
with  the  right  hand,  and  replace  it  in  the  position 
of  order — arms. 

When  the  inspector  has  passed  him,  each  recruit 
retakes  the  position  prescribed  at  tlie  command 


THE    RECRUIT.  41 

inspection  of  arms^  and  returns  the  rammer  ;  after 
which  he  will  face  to  the  front. 

If,  instead  of  inspection  of  arms,  bayonets  only 
are  to  be  fixed,  the  command  is  : 

Fix — Bayonet. 

Take  the  position  prescribed  in  the  first  motion 
of  inspection  of  arms ;  fix  bayonet  and  face  to  the 
front. 

Bayonets  fixed,  if  it  be  the  wish  of  the  instructor, 
after  firing,  to  ascertain  whether  the  pieces  have 
been  discharged,  he  will  command  : 

Spring — Ramme  RS . 

Put  the  rammer  in  the  barrel  as  explained 
above,  and  immediately  face  to  the  front. 

The  instructor,  for  the  purpose  stated,  can  take 
the  rammer  by  the  small  end,  and  spring  it  in  the 
barrel,  or  cause  each  recruit  to  make  the  rammer 
ring  in  the  barrel. 

Each  recruit,  after  the  instructor  passes  him, 
will  return  rammer  and  face  to  the  front. 

TO   STACK   ARMS. 

The  squad  being  in  two  ranks  at  order  arms,  the 
instructor  will  command ; 

Stack — Arms. 

At  this  command  the  front  rank  man  of  every 
even  numbered  file  will  pass  his  piece  before  him, 
seizing  it  with  the  left  hand  above  the  middle  band, 
and  place  the  butt  outside  and  near  his  left  foot, 


42  THE   RECRUIT. 

the  barrel  turned  to  the  front,  the  muzzle  opposite 
the  right  shoulder.  At  the  same  time  the  front 
rank  man  of  every  odd  numbered  file  will  pass  his 
piece  before  him,  seizing  it  with  the  left  hand  below 
the  middle  band,  and  hand  it  to  the  man  next  on 
the  left ;  the  latter  will  receive  it  with  the  right 
hand  two  inches  above  the  middle  band,  throw  the 
butt  about  thirty-two  inches  to  the  front,  opposite 
to  his  right  shoulder,  inclining  the  muzzle  towards 
the  right  shoulder,  and  lock  the  shanks  of  the  two 
bayonets,  the  barrel  remaining  to  the  rear  and  its 
shank  above  that  of  the  first  piece.  The  rear  rank 
man  of  every  even  file  projects  his  bayonet  forward, 
the  barrel  to  the  right,  and  introduces  it  (using 
both  hands)  between  the  muzzles  and  under  the 
shanks  of  the  two  other  bayonets.  He  will  then 
abandon  the  piece  to  his  file  leader,  who  will  re- 
ceive it  with  the  right  hand  under  the  middle  band, 
bring  the  butt  to  the  front,  holding  up  his  own 
piece  and  the  stack  with  the  left  hand,  and  place 
the  butt  of  this  third  piece  between  the  feet  of  the 
man  next  on  the  right,  the  barrel  to  the  right.  The 
stack  thus  formed,  the  rear  rank  man  of  every 
odd  file  will  pass  his  piece  into  his  left  hand,  the 
barrel  turned  to  the  front,  and,  sloping  the  bayonet 
forward,  rest  it  on  the  stack. 

To  disperse,  the  instructor  will  command  : 

Break  Ranks — March. 

To  Resume  Arms. 

The  squad,  on  a  signal,  or  order  to  fall  in,  will 
le-form  in  two  ranks,  and  the  instructor  will  com- 
mand : 


THE   RECRUIT.  48 

Take — Arms. 

At  the  command  take  arms,  the  rear  rank  man 
of  every  odd  file  will  withdraw  his  piece  from  the 
stack ;  the  front  rank  man  of  every  even  file  will  seize 
his  own  piece  with  the  left  hand,  and  that  of  the 
man  on  his  right  with  the  right  hand ;  the  rear  rank 
man  of  every  even  file  will  seize  his  piece  with 
the  right  hand  at  the  middle  band,  advancing  for 
tlie  purpose  the  hollow  of  his  right  foot  as  far  as 
the  right  heel  of  his  fiile  leader ;  these  two  men 
*V\^ill  raise  up  the  stack  to  loosen  the  shanks  *,  the 
front  rank  man  of  every  odd  file  receives  his  piece 
from  the  hand  of  the  man  next  on  the  left,  and 
the  four  men  will  retake  the  position  of  the  soldier 
at  order  arms. 

When  organized  companies  stack  arms,  the 
sergeants,  and  also  corporals,  if  in  the  rank  of  file 
closers,  will  rest  their  pieces  against  the  stacks 
nearest  to  them  respectively,  after  ranks  are  broken, 
and  resume  their  pieces  on  the  signal  to  reform 
ranks. 


FOR   RELIEVING   SENTINELS. 

Arms — Port. 

Throw  the  piece  diagonally  across  the  body,  the 
lock  to  the  front,  seize  it  smartly  at  the  same  in- 
stant with  both  hands,  the  right  at  the  small,  the 
left  at  the  tail-band,  the  thumbs  pointing  towards 
the  muzzle,  the  barrel  sloping  upwards  and  cross- 
ing opposite  to  the  point  of  the  left  shoulder,  the 
butt  proportionally  lowered.      The  palm  of  the 


44  THE  KECRUIT. 

right  hand  above,  that  of  the  left  under  the  piece, 
and  the  nails  of  both  hands  next  to  the  body,  to 
which  the  elbows  will  be  closed. 

Shoulder — Arms  . 

First  Motion. — Bring  the  piece  smartly  to  the 
left  shoulder,  placing  the  left  hand  under  the  butt. 

Second  Motion. — Drop  the  right  hand  smartly 
by  the  side. 

FOR   DISMISSION. 

Recover — Arms. 

Turn  the  piece  quickly  with  the  left  hand,  the 
barrel  to  the  rear,  seize  it  smartly  with  the  right 
hand  at  the  small ;  carry  the  left  hand  above  the 
lock,  the  little-finger  touching  the  feather-springe 
the  lock  as  high  and  in  front  of  the  left  shoulder, 
the  piece  perpendicular,  and  elbows  close. 

This  recover  arms  is  used  for  dismission  at  the 
close  of  drills,  exercise,  &c.  The  command  is — 
Squad,  Company,  or  the  like,  Right — Face^  Re- 
cover— Armsj  Break — Ranks,  March.  At  the 
word  march,  each  soldier  strikes  the  butt  of  his 
piece  smartly  with  his  left  hand,  seizing  it  again 
above  the  lock,  and  break. 

Remarks. 

When,  after  some  days  of  exercise  in  the  manual 
of  arms,  the  men  shall  be  well  established  in  their 
use,  the  instructor  will  terminate  the  lessons  by 
marching  the  men  some  distance  in  one  rank,  and 


THE    RECRUIT.  45 

at  a  pace  apart,  in  order  to  confirm  them  more  and 
more  in  the  mechanism  of  the  direct  and  oblique 
steps.  He  will  also  teach  them  how  to  mark  time, 
to  change  step,  to  step  short,  and  the  side  step. 

To  Mark  Time. 

The  men  marching  in  the  direct  step  in  common 
or  quick  time,  the  instructor  will  command  : 

1.  Mark  Time.     2.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  which  will  be  given  at 
the  instant  a  foot  is  coming  to  the  ground,  the 
recruits  will  make  a  semblance  of  marching  by 
advancing  first  one  foot,  and  then  the  other,  always 
bringing  back  t-he  advanced  foot  and  placing  its 
heel  by  the  side  of  the  heel  of  the  other. 

1.   Change  Step.     2.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  which  will  be  given  at 
the  instant  the  foot  is  coming  to  the  groun-d,  the 
squad  will  bring  up  quickly  the  foot  in  the  rear,  to 
the  side  of  that  just  come  to  the  ground,  and  step 
off  with  the  latter. 

1.  Step  Sliori.     2.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  the  foot  advanced  will 
finish  its  pace,  and  afterwards  each  recruit  will 
step  as  far  as  the  ball  of  his  toe,  and  not  farther, 
until  the  w^ords,  forward  march,  when  he  will  re- 
sume the  twenty-eight  inch  step. 


46  THE    RECRUIT. 

1.  Side  Step  to  the  Right  (or  Left).     2.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  each  recruit  will  glance 
his  eyes  to  the  right,  and  at  the  same  time  carry 
his  right  foot  about  ten  inches  to  the  right  (or 
towards  the  left  foot  of  his  right-hand  man),  and 
instantly  bring  up  his  left  foot,  and  so  on,  the  whole 
with  perfect  precision  of  time,  shoulders  square  to 
the  front,  and  each  man  halting  in  his  own  person, 
when  he  has  closed  on  the  fixed  point,  or  on  the 
man  next  to  him. 

When  the  side  step  is  used  for  the  purpose  of 
gaining  ground  to  the  right  or  left,  at  the  command 
halt,  each  recruit  will  bring  up  the  foot  in  the  rear 
to  the  one  in  advance. 

Alignments. 

Six  or  nine  men  will  be  united  in  one  rank, 
elbow  to  elbow,  and  numbered  from  right  to  left, 
in  order  to  teach  them  the  principles  of  alignment 
(dressing  on  a  line),  the  principle  of  the  touch  of 
elbows  in  marching  by  the  front,  the  quick  and 
back  steps,  the  principles  of  the  march  by  the  flank, 
wheeling  from  a  halt,  wheeling  in  marching,  and 
the  change  of  direction  to  the  side  of  the  guide 
(turning). 

The  instructor  will  at  first  teach  the  recruits  to 
align  themselves  man  by  man,  in  order  the  better 
to  make  them  comprehend  tlie  principles  of  align- 
ment ;  to  this  end,  he  will  command  the  two  men 
on  the  right  flank  to  march  two  paces  to  the  front, 
and  having  aligned  them,  he  will  caution  the  re- 
mainder of  the  squad  to  move  up,  as  they  may  be 


THE   RECRUIT.  47 

successively  called,  each  by  his  number,  and  align 
themselves  successively  on  the  line  of  the  first  two 
men. 

Each  recruit,  as  designated  by  his  number,  will 
turn  the  head  and  eyes  to  the  right,  march  in  com- 
mon time  two  paces  forward,  shortening  the  last, 
60  as  to  find  himself  about  six  inches  behind  the 
new  alignment,  which  he  ought  never  to  pass  ;  he 
will  then  move  up  steadily  by  steps  of  two  or  three 
inches,  the  thighs  extended,  to  the  side  of  the  man 
next  to  him  on  the  alignment,  so  that,  without  de- 
ranging the  head,  the  line  of  the  eyes,  or  that  of 
the  shoulders,  he  may  find  himself  in  the  exact  line 
of  his  neighbor,  whose  elbow  he  will  lightly  touch 
without  opening  out  his  own. 

The  instructor  seeing  the  rank  well  aligned, 
will  command : 


At  this  tlie  recruits  will  turn  eyes  to  the  front, 
and  remain  firm. 

Alignments  to  the  left  will  be  executed  on  the 
same  principles. 

When  the  recruits  have  learned  to  align  them- 
selves man  by  man,  correctly,  the  entire  rank  will 
be  aligned  at  once  by  the  command  : 

Right  (or  Left) — Dress. 

At  this,  the  rank,  except  the  two  men  placed  in 
advance  as  a  basis  of  alignment,  will  move  up  in 
common  time,  and  place  themselves  on  the  new 
line,  according  to  the  principles  above  prescribed. 


48  THE   RECRUIT. 

The  instructor  seeing  the  rank  aligned,  will 
command : 

FRONT. 

Alignments  to  the  rear  will  be  executed  on  the 
same  principles,  the  recruits  stepping  back  a  little 
beyond  the  line,  and  then  dressing  up  by  steps  of 
two  or  three  inches,  the  command  is  : 

Right  (or  Left)  Backward — Dress. 

The  March  by  the  Front  and  the  Different  Steps. 

The  instructor  will  place  a  well-instructed  man 
on  the  right  or  left  of  the  rank,  according  to  the 
side  on  which  he  may  wish  the  guide  to  be,  and 
command : 

1.  Squadf  Forward.     2.   Guide  Right   (or  Left) 
3.  March. 

At  the  command  march,  the  rank  will  step  off 
smartly  with  the  left  foot ;  the  guide  will  take  care 
to  march  straight  to  the  front,  keeping  his  shoulders 
always  in  a  square  with  that  line. 

The  instructor  will  cause  the  following  rules  to 
be  observed : 

Touch  lightly  the  elbow  towards  the  guide.  Not  to  open  out 
the  left  elbow  nor  the  right  nrin.  Yield  to  pressure  coming 
from  the  side  of  the  guide,  and  resist  that  coming  from  tht- 
opposite  side.  Recover  by  insensible  degrees  the  slight  touch  of 
the  elbow,  if  lost.  Maintain  the  head  direct  to  the  front,  no 
matter  on  which  side  the  guide  may  be.  Perceiving  himself 
before  or  behind  the  alignment,  the  man  in  fault  will  correct 
himself  by  shortening  or  lengthening  the  step,  by  degrees  almost 
insensible. 


THE   RECRUIT.  49 

The  recruits  will  next  be  exercised  in  the 
oblique  march.  In  the  oblique,  as  in  the  direct 
march,  the  touca  of  the  elbows  will  always  be  to 
the  side  of  the  guide  ;  they  will  also  be  taught  to 
pass  from  common  to  quick  time,  and  the  reverse ; 
but  the  oblique  march  in  quick  time  should  not  be 
practised  until  recruits  are  well  established  in  com- 
mon time. 

The  rank  being  in  the  direct  march  in  common 
time,  the  instructor  will  command  : 

1.  Quick  Time.    2.  March. 

At  the  command  march,  which  will  be  given  as 
either  foot  is  coming  to  the  ground,  the  rank  will, 
without  altering  the  length  of  the  step,  change  the 
rate  of  march  to  one  hundred  and  ten  steps  in  a 
minute. 

To  Resume  tlie  Direct  Step  in  Common  Time. 

1.   Common  Time.     2.  March. 

At  the  command  march,  which  will  be  given  on 
eitlier  foot,  as  above,  the  rank  will  retake  the  step 
in  common  time. 

To  March  in  the  Back  Step. 
To  effect  this,  the  instructor  will  command : 

1.   Squad,  Backward.     2.  Guide  Left  (or  Right). 
3.  March. 

At  the  command  march,  the  rank  will  step  off 
gmartly,  with  the  left  foot  to  the  rear,  carrying:  it 

4 


60  THE   RECRUIT. 

about  fourteen  inches,  reckoning  from  heel  to  heel, 
and  so  on  with  the  feet  in  succession,  till  the  com- 
mand halt,  which  will  always  be  preceded  by  the 
caution  squad.  The  men  will  halt  at  this  com- 
mand, and  bring  back  the  foot  in  front,  by  the  side 
of  the  other. 

The  instructor  will  be  watchful  that  the  men  do 
not  lean  on  each  other ;  that  they  march  straight 
to  the  rear,  and  that  the  erect  position  of  the  body 
and  the  piece  be  not  deranged. 

To  March  by  the  Flank. 

The  rank  being  at  a  halt,  and  aligned,  the  in- 
structor will  command : 

1.  Squad,  by  the  Right  (or  Left)  Flank.     2.  Right 
(or  Left)  Face.    3.  Squad,  Forward.    4.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  the  rank  will  face  to 
the  right  (or  left). 

At  the  command  march,  it  will  step  off  smartly 
with  the  left  foot,  in  the  common  step,  both  in 
length  and  time. 

The  instructor  will  place  a  well-instructed  sol- 
dier by  the  side  of  the  leading  recruit  to  regulate 
the  step,  and  to  conduct  him ;  the  recruit  will 
march  elbow  to  elbow  with  the  soldier. 

The  instructor  will  cause  to  be  observed  in  the 
march,  by  the  flank,  the  following  rules : 

That  the  Btep  be  executed  according  to  the  principles  ptc- 
Bcribed  for  the  direct  step.  That,  at  each  step,  the  advancing 
heel  of  every  following  man  be  planted  about  six  inches  in  ad- 
vance of  the  opposite  heel  (yet  on  the  gromd)  of  the  man 
Immediately  precedinjj.  That  (to  avoid  treaJinp  on  tJie  heels 
of  (he  men  who  precede)  the  knees  be  not  bent.    That  the  head 


THE    RECRUIT.  151 

of  the  man  who  immediately  precedes  cover  the  heads  of  all 
who  are  in  front. 

To  Halt  the  Squad  and  Face  it  to  the  Front. 

1.  Squad,     2.  Halt.     3.  Front  Face. 

At  the  second  command,  the  rank  will  halt,  and 
afterwards  no  man  will  budge,  although  he  may 
have  lost  his  distance. 

At  the  third  command,  each  man  will  front  by 
facing  to  the  left,  if  marching  by  the  right  flank, 
and  by  a  face  to  the  right,  if  marching  by  the  left 
flank. 

To  Change  Direction  Marching  by  a  Flank. 

1.  By  File,  Left  (or  Right).     2.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  the  leading  man  of  the 
rank  will  change  direction  to  the  left  (or  right), 
and  then  march  straight  forward ;  each  man,  on 
coming  up,  will  successively  change  direction  on 
the  same  place?  as  the  first. 

The  rank  marching  by  the  front,  the  instructor, 
to  cause  it  to  march  by  a  flank,  will  command  : 

1 .  Squad,  by  the  Left  (or  Right)  Flank.     2.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  which  will  be  given  a 
little  before  either  foot  comes  to  the  joroiind,  the 
recruits  will  turn  the  body,  plant  the  foot  that  is 
raised  in  the  new  direction,  and  step  ofi'  with  the 
other  foot  without  altering  the  cadence  of  the  step. 

Flank  marching  will  be  executed  first  in  com- 
mon time,  afterwards  in  quick  time. 


62  THE    RECRUIT. 

Wheelings. 

General  Principles  of  Wheeling, 

Wheelings  are  of  two  kinds ;  from  halts  or  on 
fixed  pivots,  and  in  march,  or  on  movable  pivots. 

Wheeling  on  a  fixed  pivot  takes  place  in  passing 
a  corps  from  the  order  in  battle  to  the  order  in 
column,  or  from  the  latter  to  the  former. 

Wheels  in  marching  take  place  in  changes  of 
direction  in  column,  as  often  as  this  movement  is 
executed  to  the  side  opposite  to  the  guide. 

In  vv^heels  from  a  halt  (if  a  single  rank),  the 
pivot  man  only  turns  in  his  place,  without  advanc- 
ing or  receding. 

In  the  wheels  in  marching,  the  pivot  man  takes 
steps  of  full  nine  inches,  to  clear  the  wheeling 
point  before  the  next  subdivision  arrives  on  the 
same  ground,  which  is  necessary  in  order  that  the 
succeeding  subdivisions  may  not  lose  their  dis- 
tances by  being  delayed. 

In  both  cases,  the  man  on  the  wheeling  flank 
will  always  take  the  full  pace  of  twenty-eight 
inches. 

The  movement  of  turning  to  the  right  or  left, 
will  take  place  only  when  the  change  of  direction, 
in  column,  is  to  the  side  of  the  guide,  and  great 
care  is  necessary  not  to  confound  this  movement 
with  that  of  wheeling  in  marching. 

Wheeling  from  a  Halt^  or  on  a  Fixed  Point. 

The  rank  being  at  a  halt,  the  instructor  will 
place  a  well-instructed  man  on  the  wheeling  flank 
to  conduct  it,  and  then  command  : 


THE    RECRUIT.  63 

1.  By  Squad,  Right  Wheel     2.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  the  rank  will  step  off 
with  the  left  foot,  turning  at  the  same  time  the 
head  a  little  to  the  left,  the  eyes  fixed  on  the  line 
of  the  men  to  their  left ;  the  pivot  man  will  merely 
mark  time  in  gradually  turning  his  body,  in  order 
to  conform  himself  to  the  movement  of  the  march- 
ing flank ;  the  man  who  conducts  this  flank  will 
take  steps  of  twenty-eight  inches,  and  from  the 
first  step  advance  a  little  the  left  shoulder,  cast 
his  eyes  from  time  to  time  along  the  rank,  and  feel 
constantly  the  elbow  of  the  next  man  lightly,  but 
never  push  him. 

The  other  men  will  each  feel  lightly  the  elbow 
of  the  next  man  towards  the  pivot,  resist  pressure 
coming  from  the  opposite  side,  and  conform  him- 
self to  the  marching  flank — shortening  his  step 
according  to  his  approximation  to  the  pivot. 

The  instructor  will  make  the  rank  wheel  round 
the  circle  once  or  twice  before  halting,  in  order  to 
cause  the  principles  to  be  the  better  understood, 
and  he  will  be  watchful  that  the  centre  does  not 
break. 

The  wheel  to  the  left  will  be  executed  according 
to  the  same  principles. 

To  halt  the  wheel  the  instructor  will  command  : 

1.  Squad.     2.  Halt. 

At  the  second  command,  the  rank  will  halt,  and 
no  man  stir.     The  instructor,  going  to  the  flank 
opposite  the  pivot,  will  place  the  two  outer  men  of 
that  flank  in  the  direction  he  may  wish  to  give  the  * 
rank,  taking  care  to  leave  between  them  and  the 


54  THE   RECRXnr. 

pivot  only  the  space  necessary  to  contain  the  other 
men.    He  will  then  command : 

Left  (or  Right) — Dress. 

At  this,  the  rank  will  place  itself  on  the  align- 
ment of  the  two  men  established  as  a  basis,  in 
conformity  with  the  principles  prescribed  in  the 
alignments. 

The  instructor  will  next  command  Front,  which 
will  be  executed  as  prescribed  in  the  alignments. 

Wheeling  in  Marchings  or  on  a  Movable  Pivot, 

To  cause  the  rank  to  change  direction  to  the 
reverse  flank  (to  the  side  opposite  to  the  guide  or 
pivot  flank),  the  instructor  will  give  the  following 
commands : 

1.  Right  (or  Left)  Wheel.     2.  March. 

The  first  command  will  be  given  when  the  rank 
is  yet  four  paces  from  the  wheeling  point. 

At  the  second  command,  the  wheel  will  be 
executed  in  the  same  manner  as  from  a  halt,  ex- 
cept that  the  touch  of  the  elbow  will  remain 
towards  the  marching  flank  (or  side  of  the  guide) 
instead  of  the  side  of  the  actual  pivot ;  that  the 
pivot  man,  instead  of  merely  turning  in  his  place, 
will  conform  himself  to  the  movement  oi  the 
marching  flank,  feel  lightly  the  elbow  of  the  next 
man,  take  steps  of  full  nine  inches,  and  thus  gain 
ground  forward  in  describing  an  arc  of  a  small 
circle,  to  clear  the  point  of  the  wheel.  The  mid- 
dle of  the  rank  will  bend  slightly  to  the  rear.     As 


THE   RECRUIT.  56 

soon  as  the  movement  shall  commence,  the  man 
who  conducts  the  marching  flank  will  cast  his 
eyes  on  the  ground  over  which  he  will  have  to 
pass. 

The  wheel  being  ended,  the  instructor  will  com- 
mand: 

1.  Forward,     2.  March. 

The  first  command  will  be  pronounced  when 
four  paces  are  yet  required  to  complete  the  change 
of  direction. 

At  the  command  march,  which  will  be  given  at 
the  instant  of  completing  the  wheel,  the  man  who 
conducts  the  marching  flank  will  direct  himself 
straight  forward ;  the  pivot  man  and  all  the  rank 
will  retake  the  step  of  twenty-eight  inches,  and 
bring  the  head  direct  to  the  front. 

Turning,  or  Change  of  Direction  to  the  Side  of 
the  Guide. 

The  change  of  direction  to  the  side  of  the  guido 
in  marching,  will  be  executed  as  follows:     ''" 
instructor  will  command : 

1.  Left  (or  Right)  Twrn.  2.  March. 

The  first  command  will  be  given  when  the  rank 
is  yet  four  paces  from  the  turning  point. 

At  the  command  march,  to  be  pronounced  at 
the  instant  the  rank  ought  to  turn,  the  guide  will 
face  to  the  left  (or  right)  in  marching,  and  move 
forward  in  the  new  direction  without  slackening 
or  quickening  the  cadence  (rate  of  march),  and 
without  shortening  or  lengthening  the  step.     The 


56  THE    RECRUIT. 

whole  rank  will  promptly  conform  itself,  without 
running,  to  the  new  direction :  to  effect  which, 
each  niarn  will  advance  the  shoulder  opposite  to 
the  guide,  take  the  quick  step  or  time,  to  carry 
himself  in  the  new  direction,  turn  the  head  and 
eyes  to  the  side  of  the  guide,  and  retake  the  touch 
of  the  elbow  on  that  side,  in  placing  himself  on  the 
alignment  of  the  guide,  from  whom  he  will  take 
the  step,  and  then  resume  the  direct  position  of  the 
head.  Each  man  will  thus  arrive  successively  on 
the  alignment  of  the  guide. 


SCHOOL  OF  THE  COMPANY. 


Manner  of  Forming  Company, 

The  company  being  assembled  on  its  ground, 
the  sergeants,  by  the  command  fall  in,  will  cause 
the  rank  and  file  (corporals  and  privates),  to  form 
in  one  rank,  faced  to  the  right,  and  in  the  order  of 
height  from  right  to  left,  the  tallest  man  on  the 
right  (now  head  of  the  rank),  the  next  tallest  man 
immediately  covering  the  first,  and  so  on  to  the  left 
or  rear  of  the  rank. 

The  first  sergeant  will  then  command : 

Front — Face. 

At  the  command  face,  the  company  faces  to  the 
front,  and  the  second  sergeant  will  place  himself 
on  the  left  of  the  rank,  and  the  first  sergeant  will 
command : 

1.  In  two  Ranks  form  Company.     2.  By  the  Left 

Flank,     3.  Left — Face.     4.  March. 

At  the  third  command,  the  whole  rank  will  face 
to  the  left,  except  the  guide  and  man  on  the  left, 
who  stand  fast. 


68  THE   RECRUIT. 

At  the  command  march,  the  men  who  have  faced 
to  the  left  will  step  off  together ;  the  second  man, 
counting  from  the  left,  will  place  himself  behind 
the  man  next  to  the  guide,  and  face  to  the  front ; 
the  two  following  men  will,  in  like  manner,  on 
closing  up,  form  the  next  file,  and  all  the  other  men 
will  come  successively  to  form  files,  two  deep,  to 
the  right  of  those  already  formed.  The  distance 
between  the  ranks  is  thirteen  inches,  measured 
from  the  breasts  of  the  rear-rank  men  to  the  backs, 
or  knapsacks  (if  they  be  on),  of  the  front-rank 
men. 

The  captain  will  now  divide  the  company  into 
two  equal  platoons,  and  each  platoon  into  two  equal 
sections.  The  platoon  on  the  right  is  called  the 
first  platoon,  and  that  on  the  left  the  second  platoon. 
The  sections  are  numbered  from  right  to  left,  ^rs^, 
second,  third,  fourth.  The  files  will  be  numbered 
from  right  to  left,  first  the  whole  number  and  after- 
wards by  twos. 

The  officers  and  sergeants  will  now  take  their 
posts  as  follows : 

The  captain,  in  the  front  rank  on  the  right  of 
the  company. 

The  first  lieutenant,  two  paces  in  rear  of  the 
rear  rank,  and  equi-distant  between  the  centre  of 
the  second  platoon  and^tlie  second  file  from  the 
left  of  the  company. 

The  second  lieutenant,  opposite  the  centre  of  the 
first  platoon,  and  two  paces  in  rear  of  the  rear 
rank. 

The  third  lieutenant,  opposite  the  centre  of  the 
second  plafoon,  nud  two  paces  in  rear  of  the  rear 
rank. 


THE    RECRUIT.  59 

The  first  sergeant,  on  the  right  of  the  rear  rank 
covering  the  captain ;  he  is  denominated  covering 
sergeant,  or  right  guide  of  the  company. 

The  second  sergeant,  two  paces  in  rear  of  the 
second  file  from  the  left  of  the  company ;  he  is  de- 
nominated the  left  guide  of  the  company.  In  the 
left  company  of  a  battalion,  this  sergeant  is  on  the 
left  of  the  front  rank,  and  is  covered  by  a  corporal 
in  the  rear  rank ;  he  is  designated  as  the  closing 
sergeant,  and  the  corporal,  the  covering  corporal. 

The  third  sergeant,  two  paces  in  rear  of  the 
second  file  from  the  left  of  the  first  platoon. 

The  fourth  sergeant,  two  paces  in  rear  of  the 
second  file  from  the  right  of  the  second  platoon. 

The  fifth  sergeant,  two  paces  in  rear  of  the  rear 
rank,  and  eqiii-distant  between  the  second  lieute- 
nant and  the  third  sergeant. 

The  officers  and  sergeants  thus  posted  in  rear 
of  the  company,  constitute  the  rank  of  file-closers ; 
this  rank  is  two  paces  in  rear  of  the  rear  rank. 

The  pioneer  is  posted  in  the  line  of  file-closers 
on  the  right ;  and  the  music  in  a  line  with  the 
front  rank,  four  paces  on  its  right,  the  drum  on  tlie 
right  of  tJie  fifer,  or  bugler. 

Absent  officers  and  sergeants  will  be  replaced — 
officers  by  sergeants,  and  sergeants  by  corporals, 
according  to  rank  and  the  necessity  of  the  case. 

To  pass  from  Two  Ranks  into  One  Rank. 
The  instructor  will  command  : 
1.  Inane  Rank,  form  Company.    2.  March. 


60  THE    RECRUIT. 

At  the  first  command,  the  left  guide  will  face  to 
the  left. 

At  the  second  command,  the  left  guide  will  step 
off,  and  march  in  the  prolongation  of  the  front 
rank. 

The  next  file  will  step  off  at  the  same  time  with 
the  guide ;  the  front-rank  man  will  turn  to  the  left 
at  the  first  step,  follow  the  guide,  and  be  himself 
followed  by  the  rear-rank  man  of  his  file,  each  of 
whom  will  turn  on  the  line  where  their  file-leader 
had  turned.  The  second  file,  counting  from  the 
left,  and  successively  all  the  other  files,  will  march 
as  has  been  prescribed  for  the  first,  the  front-rank 
man  of  each  immediately  following  the  rear-rank 
man  of  the  file  next  on  the  left ;  the  captain  will 
stand  fast,  and  as  the  last  man  on  the  right  turns 
into  the  rank,  he  will  halt  it,  and  face  it  to  the 
front.  The  file-closers  extend  themselves  with  the 
movement. 

Posts  of  Officers  in  Column. 

In  Column  by  Company. 

The  captain  two  paces  in  front  of  tlie  centre  of 
his  company ;  the  first  sergeant  on  the  right  of  the 
front  rank,  and  is  the  right  guide  of  the  company ; 
the  second  sergeant  on  the  left  of  the  front  rank, 
and  is  the  left  guide  of  the  company. 

In  Column  by  Platoon. 

The  captain  commands  the  first  platoon,  the 
first  lieutenant  the  second  platoon  ;  each  two  paces 
in  front  of  the  centre  of  his  platoon ;  the  first  ser- 


THE    RECRUIT.  61 

geant  is  the  guide  of  the  first  platoon ;  the  second 
sergeant  is  the  guide  of  the  second  platoon  ;  they 
will  be  on  the  left  of  the  front  rank  of  their  respec- 
tive platoons,  if  the  column  be  right  in  front,  and 
on  the  right  if  the  left  be  in  front. 

In  the  route  step,  the  chiefs  of  platoon  take  the 
place  of  the  guides  on  the  directing  flank,  and  are 
covered  by  the  latter  in  the  rear  rank. 

In  Column  by  Section. 

This  column  takes  place  only  in  column  of  route, 
and  then  only  when  platoons  have  a  front  of  ten 
or  more  files.  The  captain  commands  the  first 
section ;  the  first  lieutenant  the  third  ;  the  second 
lieutenant  the  second  ;  and  the  third  lieutenant  the 
fourth  section ;  each  taking  post  on  the  directing 
flank  in  the  front  rank  of  his  section;  the  two 
guides,  who  are  thus  displaced,  will  each  fall  back 
to  the  rear  rank  of  his  section  and  cover  its  chief; 
the  remaining  file-closers  place  themselves  in  the 
rear  rank  of  their  respective  sections,  all  on  the 
side  of  direction. 

In  column,  except  in  column  by  sections,  the 
file-closers,  not  otherwise  provided  for,  are  in  their 
proper  places  behind  the  rear  rank  of  their  respec- 
tive subdivisions. 

In  column  right  in  front,  the  left  flank  is  the 
directing  flank,  the  reverse  is  the  case  in  column 
left  in  front.  When  marching  in  review,  right  in 
front,  the  right  flank  is  the  directing  flank. 

In  column,  each  chief  of  subdivision  will  always 
briskly  repeat  the  commands  march,  and  Jialt.  the 
instant  he  hears  them  given 


62  THE    RECRUIT. 

To  Open  Ranks. 

The  company  being  at  shoulder  arms,  to  cause 
the  ranks  to  be  opened,  the  instructor  will  give  the 
intimation,  Prepare  to  open  ranks.  At  this,  the 
left  guide  will  place  himself  on  the  left  of  the  rear 
rank. 

To  the  Rear,  Open  Order, 

The  covering  sergeant  and  the  left  guide  will 
step  off  smartly  to  the  rear,  in  the  back  step,  four 
full  paces  from  the  front  rank,  and  align  themselves 
parallel  to  the  rear  rank. 


The  front  rank  will  stand  fast ;  the  rear  rank 
steps  ofi"  in  the  back  step,  in  common  time,  without 
counting  steps,  places  itself  on  the  alignment 
marked  out  for  it,  and  is  aligned  by  the  right  on 
the  left  guide,  by  the  covering  sergeant.  The  file- 
closers  will  step  off  at  the  same  time  with  the  rear 
rank,  and  place  themselves  two  paces  in  the  rear 
of  that  rank. 

The  ranks  being  aligned,  the  insh*uctor  will 
command : 


Alignments  in  Open  Ranks. 

The  ranks  are  first  aligned  man  by  man,  three 
men  being  placed  two  or  three  paces  in  advance  of 
the  right  or  left  of  each  rank,  to  serve  as  a  basis, 


THE   KECRUIT.  63 

and  the  command  given,  By  file,  Right  {ox  Left) — 
Dress.  The  men  of  each  rank  will  move  up  suc- 
cessively on  the  alignment,  each  man  being  pre- 
ceded two  paces  by  his  neighbor. 

The  ranks  are  next  aligned  at  once,  forward  and 
backward,  in  both  parallel  and  oblique  directions, 
by  the  commands,  RigU  (or  Left) — Dress,  or 
Right  (or  Left)  Backward — ^Dress  ;  three  men  in 
each  case  being  placed  as  a  basis. 

Before  closing  the  ranks,  the  company  will  be 
exercised  in  the  Manual  of  Arms  and  the  Loading 
in  Tioelve  Times. 


Manual 

of  Arms. 

1. 

Present  Arms. 

2. 

Shoulder  Arms. 

3. 

Support  Arms. 

4. 

Carry  Arms. 

6. 

Order  Arms. 

6. 

Shoulder  Arms. 

7. 

Charge  Bayonet. 

8. 

Shoulder  Arms. 

9. 

Trail  Arms. 

10. 

Shoulder  Arms. 

11. 

To  Right  Shoulder, 
Shift  Arms. 

12. 

Shoulder  Arms. 

13. 

Unfix  Bayonet. 

14. 

Shoulder  Arms. 

15. 

Secure  Arms. 

16. 

Shoulder  Arms. 

17. 

Fix  Bayonet. 

18. 

Shoulder  Arms. 

19.  Load  in  Twelve  Times. 

The  instructor  will  take  care  that  the  position 
of  the  body,  of  the  feet,  and  of  the  piece,  be  always 
exact,  and  that  the  times  be  briskly  executed,  and 
close  to  the  person. 


64  THE   KECKUIT. 

To  Close  Ranks, 

1.  Close  Order.     2.  March. 

At  the  command  march,  the  rear  rank  will  close 
to  the  front,  and  each  man  cover  his  file-leader. 

Alignments  in  Closed  Ranks, 

In  this  case  the  ranks  are  aligned  at  once,  for- 
ward and  backward,  by  company,  in  both  parallel 
and  oblique  directions,  by  the  right  and  left. 

Manual  of  Arms  in  Closed  Ranks, 

Manual  of  arms,  and  loading  in  twelve  times,  in 
closed  ranks,  will  be  commanded  and  executed  as 
has  been  prescribed  in  open  ranks.  Loading  in 
four  times,  and  at  will,  as  also  the  Jirings,  will  be 
executed  as  follows : 

Load  in  Four  Times. 

Loading  in  four  times,  will  be  commanded  and 
executed  as  prescribed  in  the  squad  drill. 

Load  at  Will, 

Loading  at  will  will  be  commanded  and  executed 
as  prescribed  in  the  squad  drill. 

In  the  first  time  of  loading  in  four  times,  and 
also,  at  will,  the  captain  and  covering  sergeant  will 
half-face  to  the  right  with  the  men,  and  face  to  the 
front  when  the  man  next  to  them,  respectively, 
casts  about. 


THE   RECRUIT.  65 

To  Fire  by  Company. 
1.  Fire  by  Company.     2.   Commence  Firing. 

At  the  first  command,  the  captain  will  promptly 
place  himself  opposite  to  the  centre  of  the  company, 
four  paces  in  rear  of  the  rank  of  file-closers  ;  the 
covering  sergeant  retires  and  places  himself  in  that 
rank  opposite  to  his  interval.  This  rule  is  general 
for  the  captain  and  covering  sergeant,  in  all  the 
different  firings. 

At  the  second  command,  the  captain  will  add : 
1.  Company;  2.  Ready;  3.  Aim;  4.  Fire; 
5.  Load. 

At  the  command  load,  each  man  will  bring  back 
his  piece,  load  and  shoulder.  The  captain  will 
immediately  recommence  the  fire  by  the  same 
commands,  and  thus  continue  it  till  the  roll  of  the 
drum. 

The  captain  wull  sometimes  cause  aim  to  be 
taken  to  the  right  and  left,  simply  by  giving  the 
words,  right  (or  left)  oblique,  after  the  command 
ready  and  before  that  of  aim.  He  will  also  some- 
times give  the  command  recover  arms,  after  that  of 
aim,  in  order  to  habituate  the  men  to  composure 
of  mind  and  attention  to  commands. 

To  Fire  by  File. 

1.  Fire  by  File.     2.   Company.     3.  Ready. 
4.   Commence  Firing. 

The  third  and  fourth  commands  will  be  executed 
as  prescribed  in  the  squad  drill. 
5 


66  THE   RECRUIT. 

The  instructor  will  cause  the  firing  to  cease, 
whether  by  company  or  by  file,  by  a  roll  of  the 
drum  ;  and,  at  the  instant  the  roll  commences,  the 
men  will  cease  firing.  If  they  have  fired,  they  will 
reload  and  shoulder ;  if  they  are  in  the  position  of 
ready,  they  will  front,  half-cock,  and  shoulder ;  if 
in  the  position  of  aim,  they  will,  of  themselves, 
recover  arms,  front,  half-cock,  and  shoulder. 

The  roll  will  always  be  followed  by  a  tap  on  the 
drum ;  at  this  signal  the  captain  and  covering  ser- 
geant will  promptly  resume  their  places  in  line, 
and  rectify,  if  necessary,  the  alignments  of  the 
ranks. 

In  actual  firing,  at  the  roll  of  the  drum,  tlie 
captain  and  all  the  file-closers  will  repeat,  cease 
firing,  and  enforce  the  command. 

When  the  command  roll  is  substituted  for  the 
actual  roll  of  tlie  drum,  the  instructor  will  add  the 
command  tap,  as  the  signal  for  the  return  of  the 
captain  and  covering  sergeant  to  their  places  in 
line,  as  soon  as  he  sees  arms  shouldered. 

To  Fire  by  the  Rear  Rank, 

1.  Face  by  the  Rear  Rank,     2.  Company, 
3.  About — Face. 

At  the  first  command,  the  captain  will  step  out 
and  place  himself  near  to,  and  facing  the  right  file 
of  his  company ;  the  covering  sergeant,  and  file- 
closers,  will  pass  quickly  through  the  captain's  in- 
terval, and  place  themselves  laced  to  the  rear,  tlie 
covering  sergeant  a  pace  behind  the  captain,  and 
the  file-closers  two  papes  from  the  front  rank  oppo- 


THE    RECRUIT.  67 

Bite  to  their  places  in  line,  each  passing  behind 
the  covering  sergeant. 

At  the  third  command,  which  will  be  given  at 
the  instant  the  last  file-closer  shall  have  passed 
through  the  interval,  the  company  will  face  abcnt ; 
the  captain  will  place  himself  in  his  interval  in  the 
rear  rank,  now  become  the  front,  and  the  covering 
sergeant  will  cover  him  in  the  front  rank,  now 
become  the  rear. 

Faced  by  the  rear  rank,  the  different  firings  will 
be  executed  in  the  manner  already  prescribed. 
The  fire  by  file  will' commence  on  the  left,  now 
the  right  flank. 

To  Resume  the  Proper  Front, 

1.  Face  by  the  Front  Rank.     2.   Company,     3. 
About — Face. 

At  the  first  command,  the  captain,  covering  ser- 
geant, and  the  file  closers,  will  conform  themselves 
to  what  is  prescribed  in  the  face  by  the  rear  rank. 

At  the  third  command,  the  company  having 
faced  about,  the  captain  and  covering  sergeant  will 
retake  their  places  in  line. 

Remarks. 

The  instructor  will  habituate  the  ranks  to  take 
aim  horizontally. 

He  will  reconimend  to  the  captain  to  make  a 
short  pause  between  the  commands  aim  and^re, 
to  give  the  men  time  to  adjust  the  sight  well. 

He  will  recommend  to  the  soldiers,  in  the  firings, 


68  THE    RECRXnT. 

the  highest  degree  of  composure  or  presence  of 
mind,  which  may  be  consistent  with  a  due  vivacity 
of  execution. 

He  will  give  to  the  men,  as  a  general  principle^ 
to  maintain,  in  the  direct  fire,  the  left  heel  in  its 
place,  in  order  that  the  alignment  of  the  ranks  and 
files  may  not  be  deranged.  The  instructor  will 
observe,  in  addition  to  these  remarks,  all  those 
which  have  been  prescribed  in  the  squad  drill. 

To  Advance  in  Line  of  Battle. 
1.  Company,  Forward. 

At  this  command,  a  sergeant,  previously  select- 
ed, will  move  six  paces  in  advance  of  the  captain, 
and  is  correctly  aligned  by  the  instructor,  on  the 
prolongation  of  the  captain  and  the  covering  ser- 
geant. This  advanced  sergeant,  who  is  charged 
with  the  direction,  will  take  two  points  on  the 
ground  in  the  straight  line  to  the  front. 

2.  March. 

At  this,  the  company  will  step  off  with  life. 
The  directing  sergeant  observes,  with  the  greatest 
precision,  the  length  and  cadence  of  the  step, 
marching  on  the  two  points  he  has  chosen ;  lie 
will  take  in  succession  and  a  little  before  arriving 
at  the  point  nearest  to  him,  new  points  in  advance, 
exactly  in  the  same  line  with  the  first  two,  and  at 
the  distance  of  some  fifteen  or  twenty  paces  from 
each  other.  The  captain  marches  in  the  trace  of 
the  directing^  sergeant,  keeping  always  six  paces 


THE    RECRUIT.  69 

from  him.  The  men  march  with  the  head  and 
shoulders  square  to  the  front,  touch  lightly  the 
elbow  towards  the  captain,  and  resist  pressure 
coming  from  the  opposite  side.  The  file-closers 
will  march  in  their  places,  two  paces  behind  the 
rear  rank. 

If  the  men  lose  the  step,  the  instructor  will 
command,  To  the — Step.  At  this,  the  men  will 
cast  an  eye  on  the  directing  sergeant,  retake  the 
step  from  him,  and  again  direct  eyes  to  the  front. 

To  Hall  the  Company,  Advancing  in  Line,  and  to 
Align  it. 

1.  Company.     2.  Halt. 

At  the  second  command,  the  company  will  halt ; 
the  directing  sergeant  will  remain  in  advance, 
unless  ordered  to  return  to  the  line  of  file-closers. 
The  captain  rectifies  the  alignment. 

Advancing  in  Line,  to  Oblique  to  the  Right  or  Left. 
1.  Right  (or  Left)  Oblique.     2.  March. 

At  the  command  march,  the  movement  will  be 
executed  as  prescribed  in  the  squad  drill ;  the  men 
preserve  the  touch  of  the  elbow  towards  the  ca]> 
tain,  who  conforms  his  march  to  that  of  the  direct- 
ing sergeant. 

To  Resume  the  Direct  March. 

1.  Forward.     2.  March. 
At  the  command  march,  pronounced  at  the  in- 


70  THE    RECRtriT. 

stant  a  foot  is  coming  to  the  ground,  the  company 
will  take  the  direct  march. 

The  company  is  next  instructed  to  mark  time 
by  the  command  mark  time — march  ;  to  resume 
the  march  by  the  command  forward — march  ; 
to  march  in  quick  time  by  the  command  quick 
TIME — march  ;  and  to  resume  the  common  time 
by  the  command  common  time — march  ;  the  word 
MARCH  being  given  as  either  foot  is  coming  to  the 
ground.  The  backward-march  will  also  be  prac- 
tised here. 

To  Retire  in  Line  (March  in  Retreat.) 
I,  Company.     2.  About — Face. 

At  the  command  face,  the  company  will  face  to 
the  rear. 

3.   Compamjy  Forward. 

At  this,  the  covering  sergeant  moves  up,  oppo- 
site to  his  interval  into  the  rank  of  file-closers, 
now  leading,  and  the  captain  will  place  himself  in 
the  rear  rank,  now  become  the  front ;  the  directing 
sergeant  places  himself  in  front  of  the  captain,  six 
paces  in  advance  of  the  rank  of  file-closers,  and 
m  the  manner  prescribed  for  the  advance  in  line. 

.  4.  March. 

At  this,  the  directing  sergeant,  the  captain,  and 
the  men,  will  conform  themselves  to  what  is  pre- 
scribed in  the  advance  in  line. 


THE    RECRUIT.  71 

The  company  retiring  in  line,  executes  all  that 
is  prescribed  for  advancing  in  line. 

To  Halt  the  Company  Retiring  in  Lnte^  and  to 
Face  it  to  the  Front. 

1.   Company,  Halt.     2.  About — Face. 

As  soon  as  the  company  faces  about,  the  cap- 
tain, covering  sergeant,  and  the  directing  sergeant, 
resume  their  places  in  line. 

To  March  by  the  Flank. 

1 .  Company,  by  the  Right  Flank.     2.  Right — Face. 
3.  Company,  Forward.     4.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  the  company  will  face 
to  the  right,  and  the  covering  sergeant  places  him- 
self at  the  head  of  the  front  rank,  the  captain  on 
his  left. 

At  the  command  march,  the  company  will  step 
off  smartly  in  common  time ;  the  captain  and 
covering  sergeant  will  direct  their  march  straight 
forward ;  the  men  of  the  rear  rank  march  abreast 
of  their  respective  front  rank  men,  and  the  file- 
closers  opposite  to  their  places  in  line. 

The  march  by  the  left  flank  will  be  executed  by 
the  same  command,  substituting  left  for  right.  At 
the  instant  the  company  faces  to  the  left,  the  left 
guide  will  place  himself  at  the  head  of  tlie  front 
rank ;  the  captain  will  pass  rapidly  to  the  left,  and 
place  himself  by  the  right  side  of  this  guide  ;  the 
covering  sergeant  replaces  the  captain  in  the  front 
rank. 


72  THE   RECRUIT. 

To  Change  Direction  hj  File. 

The  company  being  faced  to  a  flank,  and  either 
in  march,  or  at  a  halt,  the  instructor  will  command : 

1.  Bij  File,  Left  (or  Right),     2.  March. 

At  the  command  march,  the  first  file  will  wheel ; 
if  to  the  side  of  the  front  rank  man,  the  latter  will 
take  care  not  to  turn  at  once,  but  to  describe  a 
short  arc  of  a  circle,  shortening  a  little  the  first 
three  steps,  to  give  the  rear  rank  man  time  to  con- 
form to  the  movement.  If  the  wheel  be  to  the 
side  of  the  rear  rank  man,  this  man  will  conform 
himself  to  the  movement  of  the  front  rank  man, 
by  describing  a  short  arc  of  a  circle.  Each  file 
wheels  on  the  same  spot  where  the  first  wheeled. 

To  Halt  the  Company,  Marching  by  a  Flariky  and 
to  face  it  to  the  Front, 

1.  Company.    2.  Halt.     3.  FroTtt — ^Face. 

At  the  command /flce,  the  company  faces  to  the 
left,  if  marching  by  the  right  flank,  and  to  the  right 
if  marching  by  the  left  flank :  and  the  captain, 
covering  sergeant,  and  the  left  guide,  return  to 
their  places  in  line. 

Marching  by  a  Flank,  to  Form  on  Right  (or  Left) 
by  File  inlo  Line. 

If  the  inarch  be  by  the  right  flank,  tlie  uistructor 
will  command : 


THE   RECRUIT.  73 

1.  On  the  Right  J  by  File  into  Line,    2.  March. 

At  the  command  marcli,  the  rear  rank  will  mark 
time ;  the  captain  and  covering  sergeant  will  turn 
to  the  right,  march  six  paces  forward,  and  halt ; 
the  captain  will  place  himself  on  the  line  to  direct 
the  alignment  as  the  men  of  the  front  rank  succes- 
sively arrive  on  it ;  the  covering  sergeant  will 
place  himself  behind  the  captain,  at  the  distance 
of  the  rear  rank ;  the  first  man  of  the  front  rank 
will  continue  to  march,  pass  behind  the  covering 
sergeant,  turn  to  tlie  right,  and  place  himself  by 
the  left  side  of  the  captain  ;  the  second  man  of  the 
same  rank  will  pass  behind  the  first,  turn  to  the 
right,  and  place  himself  on  the  left  of  the  first, 
and  thus  in  succession  to  the  last  man  of  this  rank ; 
the  rear  rank  will  mark  time  till  two  men  of  the 
front  rank  are  formed  on  the  line,  when  it  executes 
the  movement  in  like  manner ;  each  man  of  the 
rear  rank  will  cover  his  file  leader. 

In  marching  by  the  left  flank,  the  movement 
will  be  executed  by  inverse  means,  substituting  in 
the  command  the  word  left  for  right.  The  captain 
and  the  left  guide  will  return  to  their  places  in 
line  as  soon  as  the  company  is  formed  and  aligned. 

Marching  by  the  Flank  to  Form  by  Company  or  by 
Platoon  into  Line. 

The  company  being  in  march  by  the  right  flank, 
the  instructor  will  order  the  captain  to  cause  it  to 
form  line ;  the  captain  will  immediately  command  : 
1.  By  Company^  into  Line;  2.  March. 

At  the  command  march,  the  covering  sergeant 
continues  to  march  straight  forward ;  the  men  will 


74  THE   RECRUIT. 

advance  the  right  shoulder  and  march  in  quick 
time,  diagonally,  into  line  with  the  covering  ser- 
geant, taking  the  step  from  him  as  they  succes- 
sively arrive  in  line,  one  after  the  other.  Tlie 
men  of  the  rear  rank  will  conform  to  the  move- 
ment of  their  file  leaders,  but  without  endeavoring 
to  arrive  in  line  at  the  same  time  with  the  latter. 
The  captain  will  superintend  the  execution  of  the 
movement,  and,  when  the  company  is  formed,  he 
will  command  guide  left,  and  place  himself  two 
paces  in  front  of  the  centre,  and  take  the  step  of 
the  company. 

I.  By  Platoon  into  Line,  2.  March. — ^The 
movement  will  be  executed  by  each  platoon  ac- 
cording to  the  above  principles ;  the  captain  and 
first  lieutenant,  as  their  respective  platoons  are 
formed,  will  command  guide  left. 

In  marching  by  the  left  flank,  these  movements 
will  be  executed  by  the  same  commands,  and  ac- 
cording to  the  same  principles,  the  words  guide 
right  being  substituted  for  guide  left,  the  moment 
the  formation  is  ended. 

Marching  by  the  Front,  to  March  hy  a  Flarik. 

1.    Company    hy    the    Right    (or    Left)    Flavk. 
2.  March. 

The  movement  will  be  executed  in  the  manner 
prescribed  in  the  squad  drill. 

The  company  marching  by  a  flank,  will  be 
marched  by  the  front  by  the  same  commands  and 
means. 

If.  after  facing  to  the  right  or  left,  in  marching. 


THE   RECRUIT.  75 

the  company  find  itself  faced  by  the  rear  rank,  the 
captain  will  place  himself  two  paces  behind  the 
centre  of  the  front  rank,  now  in  the  rear,  the 
guides  will  pass  to  the  rear  rank,  now  leading,  and 
the  file-closers  will  march  in  front  of  this  rank. 

Marching  in  Column  by  Platoon,  to  March  by  the 
Flank  in  the  Sa?ne  Direction, 

1.  Column,  by  the  Right  Flank.     2.  By  File  Left. 
3.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  each  chief  of  platoon 
and  its  guide  will  pass  rapidly  to  the  right  flank  to 
conduct  it. 

At  the  command  march,  each  platoon  will  face 
to  the  right  in  marching,  wheel  by  file  to  the  left 
and  then  march  straight  forward  :  the  leading  file 
of  the  second  platoon  will  unite  with  the  rear  file 
of  the  first,  the  chief  and  guide  of  the  second,  a 
pace  before  the  union,  will  pass  through  the  inter- 
val to  their  places  as  file-closers. 

With  the  left  in  front,  the  movement  will  be 
executed  by  inverse  means,  substituting  in  the 
commands  left  for  rights  and  right  for  left.  The 
captain,  to  conduct  the  left  flank,  if  a  halt  be  not 
immediately  commanded,  will  replace  the  first  lieu- 
tenant on  that  flank,  and  the  covering  sergeant  will 
return  to  his  place  on  the  right  flank,  now  the  rear. 

To  Break  from  TAne  into  Column  by  Platoon, 

The  company  being  at  a  halt,  the  instructor  will 
conmiand : 


76  THE   RECJEUIT. 

1.  By  Platoon,  Right  Wheel.     2.  March. 

At  the  first  command,  the  chiefs  of  platoon  place 
themselves  two  paces  in  front  of  their  platoons,  the 
lieutenant  passing  around  the  left  of  the  company. 
The  covering  sergeant  v^ill  replace  the  captain  in 
the  front  rank. 

At  the  command  march,  the  right-front  rank 
man  of  each  platoon  will  face  to  the  right,  the 
covering  sergeant  standing  fast ;  the  chief  of  each 
platoon  will  move  quickly  by  the  shortest  line,  a 
little  beyond  the  point  at  which  the  marching  flank 
will  rest  when  the  wheel  is  completed,  face  to  the 
late  rear,  and  place  himself  so  that  the  line  which 
he  forms  with  the  man  on  the  right  (who  had  faced) 
shall  be  perpendicular  to  that  occupied  by  the 
company  in  line.  Each  platoon  will  wl>eel  ac- 
cording to  the  principles  prescribed  for  the  wheel 
on  a  fixed  pivot,  and  when  the  man  who  conducts 
the  marching  flank,  arrives  within  three  paces  of 
the  perpendicular,  the  chief  will  command:  1. 
Platoon;  2.  Halt.  At  the  command  halt,  the 
platoon  will  halt,  the  covering  sergeant  will  move 
to  the  point  where  the  left  of  the  first  platoon  is  to 
rest,  passing  by  the  front  rank ;  the  second  ser- 
geant will  place  himself,  in  like  manner,  in  respect 
to  tlie  second  platoon.  Each  will  take  care  to 
leave  between  himself  and  the  man  on  the  right 
of  his  platoon,  a  space  equal  to  the  front  of  the 
platoon. 

The  guide  of  each  platoon  being  thus  established 
on  the  perpendicular,  each  chief  will  place  himself 
two  paces  outside  of  his  guide,  and  command 
3.  Left — ^Dress. 


THE    RECRUIT.  77 

The  alignment  ended,  each  chief  will  command, 
Front,  and  place  himself  before  the  centre  of  his 
platoon. 

The  company  will  break  by  platoon  to  the  left, 
according  to  the  same  principles,  and  by  inverse 
means. 

To  March  in  Column, 

The  guide  of  the  leading  platoon  will  take  two 
points  on  the  ground  in  a  straight  line  to  the  front, 
the  instructor  will  then  command  : 

1.   Column^  forward.     2.   Guide  left.     3.  March. 

At  the  command  march,  promptly  repeated  by 
the  chiefs  of  platoon,  the  whole  will  step  oft*  toge- 
ther ;  the  guide  of  the  second  platoon  wMU  march 
exactly  in  the  trace  of  the  leading  one,  preserving 
between  the  latter  and  himself  a  distance  precisely 
equal  to  the  front  of  his  platoon. 

The  men  will  each  feel  lightly  the  elbow  of  his 
neighbor  towards  the  guide,  and  conform  himself 
in  marching  to  the  principles  prescribed  in  the 
squad  drill.  The  man  next  to  the  guide,  in  each 
platoon,  will  take  care  never  to  pass  him,  and  also 
to  march  always  about  six  inches  from  him. 

A  column,  left  in  front,  will  be  put  in  march 
according  to  the  same  principles,  substituting  in 
the  commands  Guide  right  for  Guide  left. 

To  Change  Direction. 

To  change  direction  to  the  left,  the  instructor 
will  give  the  order  to  the  chief  of  tie  first  platoon, 


78  THE    KECRUIT. 

and  immediately  go  himself,  or  send  a  marker  to 
the  point  at  which  the  change  of  direction  is  to  be 
made  ;  the  instructor,  or  marker,  will  place  himself 
on  the  direction  of  the  guides,  so  as  to  present  the 
breast  to  that  flank  of  the  column. 

The  leading  guide  will  direct  his  march  on  the 
marker,  so  that,  in  passing,  his  left  arm  may  just 
graze  his  breast.  When  the  leading  platoon  shall 
have  approached  near  to  the  marker,  its  chief  will 
command:     1.  Left  turn.     2.  March. 

The  first  command  will  be  given  when  the  pla- 
toon is  at  the  distance  of  four  paces  from  the 
marker. 

At  the  command  march,  which  will  be  given  at 
the  instant  the  guide  arrives  opposite  the  marker, 
the  guide  and  the  platoon  will  turn  to  the  left, 
conforming  themselves  to  what  is  prescribed  in  the 
squad  drill. 

The  guide  of  the  first  platoon  having  turned,  will 
take  points  on  the  ground  in  the  new  direction,  to 
assure  his  march. 

The  second  platoon  will  continue  to  march 
straight  forward  till  up  with  the  marker,  when  it 
will  turn  by  the  same  commands  and  according  to 
the  same  principles,  which  governed  the  first  pla- 
toon. 

To  change  direction  to  the  side  opposite  to  the 
guide,  the  instructor  will  give  the  order  to  the  chief 
of  the  first  platoon,  and  proceed  to  mark  the  point 
of  change  as  just  explained.  The  guide  of  the 
first  platoon  will  direct  his  march  on  tlie  marker, 
and  when  he  arrives  at  four  paces  from  the  wheel- 
ing point,  the  chief  will  command :  1 .  Right 
Wheel     2.  March. 


THE   RECRUIT.  79 

At  the  command  march,  which  will  be  given  at 
the  instant  the  guide  is  opposite  to  the  marker,  or 
wheeling  point,  the  platoon  will  wheel  to  the  right, 
in  conformity  with  the  principles  prescribed  in  the 
squad  drill.  The  wheel  being  ended,  the  chief  of 
platoon  will  command :  3.  Forward.  4.  March. 
These  commands  will  be  given  and  executed  as 
prescribed  in  the  squad  drill. 

The  second  platoon  will  continue  to  march 
straight  forward  till  up  with  the  marker,  when  it 
will  wheel  to  the  right  at  the  same  place,  by  the 
same  commands  and  the  same  means,  and  then 
resume  the  direct  march  as  in  the  case  of  the  first 
platoon. 

Changes  of  direction  in  a  column,  left  in  front, 
will  be  executed  according  to  the  same  principles, 
and  by  inverse  means. 

To  Halt  the  Column. 

1.   Column.    2.  Halt. 

At  the  command  halt,  promptly  repeated  by  the 
chiefs  of  platoon,  the  column  w411  halt,  and  the 
guides  stand  fast. 

The  instructor  wishing  to  form  line,  he  will 
throw  himself  to  platoon  distance  in  front  of  the 
leading  guide,  face  to  him,  and  rectify,  if  necessary, 
the  position  of  the  guide  of  the  second  platoon  and 
command  :  Left — Dress.  At  this,  which  will  not 
be  repeated  by  the  chiefs  of  platoon,  each  of  them 
will  place  himself  two  paces  outside  of  his  guide, 
and  direct  the  alignment  of  the  platoon  perpendi- 
cularly to  the  direction  of  the  column,  give  the 


80  THE    RECRUIT. 

command  Front,  and  return  quickly  to  his  place 
in  column. 


To  Wheel  into  Line, 
1.  Left  into  Line,  Wheel.    2.  March. 

At  the  command  march,  briskly  repeated  by  the 
cliiefs  of  platoon,  the  front-rank  man  on  the  left  of 
each  platoon  will  face  to  the  left,  and  place  his 
breast  lightly  against  the  arm  of  the  guide  by  his 
Bide,  who  stands  fast ;  the  platoons  will  wheel  to 
the  left,  on  the  principle  of  wheels  from  a  halt. 
Each  chief  will  turn  to  his  platoon  to  observe  its 
movement,  and  wlien  the  marching  flank  of  his 
platoon  is  three  paces  from  the  line,  he  will  com- 
mand :  1.  Platoon.  2.  Halt.  The  chief  of  the 
second  platoon  will  return  to  his  place  as  a  file- 
closer.  The  captain  will  then  go  to  the  point 
where  the  right  of  the  company  will  rest  in  line, 
and  command  :  Right — Dress.  At  this  command, 
the  two  platoons  will  dress  up  on  the  alignment. 

The  company  being  aligned,  the  captam  will 
command :    Front. 

Guides — ^Posts. 

At  this,  the  covering  sergeant  will  cover  the 
captain,  and  the  left  guide  will  retire  to  his  place 
as  a  file-closer. 

If  the  left  be  in  front.  Right  into  line  wheel,  will 
be  executed  on  the  same  principles,  and  by  inverse 
means ;  the  captain  having  halted  the  first  platoon, 
will  go  to  tlie  point  at  which  the  left  of  the  com- 


THE    RECRUIT.  81 

pany  will  rest  in  line,  and  give  the  command :  Left 
Dress  ;  seeing  both  platoons  aligned,  he  will  add, 
Fronts  and  at  the  command  Guides  Posts^  given 
by  the  instructor,  the  captain  will  promptly  shift 
to  the  right  of  the  company. 

To  Diminish  and  Increase  Front  of  Column^  in 
Marching,  by  Platoon. 

Diminishing. 

The  company  being  in  march,  and  supposed  to 
make  part  of  a  column,  right  in  front,  the  instructor 
will  give  the  order  to  the  captain,  who  will  com- 
mand :  1 .  Break  into  platoons,  and  immediately 
place  himself  before  the  centre  of  the  first  platoon. 

At  the  command  break  into  platoons,  the  first 
lieutenant  will  pass  quickly  round  the  left  to  the 
centre  of  his  platoon,  and  give  the  caution  :  Mark 
time. 

The  captain  will  then  command :     2.  March. 

Tbe  first  platoon  will  continue  to  march  straight 
forward ;  the  covering  sergeant  will  throw  himself 
on  the  left  flank  of  this  platoon  (passing  by  the 
front  rank),  as  soon  as  the  flank  shall  be  disen- 
gaged. 

At  the  command  march,  given  by  the  captain, 
the  second  platoon  will  begin  to  mark  time ;  its 
chief  will  immediately  add: — 1.  Right  oblique. 
2.  March.  The  last  command  will  be  given  so 
tliat  this  platoon  may  commence  obliqueing  the 
instant  the  rear  rank  of  the  first  platoon  shall  have 
passed. 

The  guide  of  the  second  platoon  being  near  tlie 
6 


82  THE   RECRITIT. 

direction  of  the  guide  of  the  first,  the  chiet  of  the 
second  will  command  Forward,  and  add  March, 
the  instant  that  the  guide  of  his  platoon  shall  cover 
the  guide  of  the  first. 

In  a  column,  left  in  front,  the  company  will 
break  into  platoons  by  inverse  means,  applying  to 
the  first  platoon  all  that  has  been  prescribed  for  the 
second,  and  reciprocally. 

In  this  case,  the  left  guide  of  the  company  will 
shift  to  the  right  flank  of  the  second  platoon,  and 
the  covering  sergeant  will  remain  on  the  right  of 
the  first. 

Increasing. 

The  column,  by  platoon,  being  in  march,  right 
in  front,  the  instructor  will  give  the  order  to  the 
captain,  w^ho  will  command: — 1.  Form  Companij, 
and  immediately  add  : — 1.  First  Platoon.  2.  Right 
Oblique. 

The  chief  of  the  second  platoon  will  caution  it 
to  continue  marching  straight  forward. 

The  captain  will  then  command  : — 3.  March. 

At  this,  the  first  platoon  will  oblique  to  the  right, 
to  unmask  the  second ;  the  covering  sergeant  will 
shift  to  the  right  flank,  passing  by  the  front  rank. 
When  the  first  platoon  has  nearly  unmasked  the 
second,  the  captain  will  command : — 1 .  Mark  time, 
and  at  the  instant  the  unmasking  shall  be  complete, 
he  will  add  : — 2.  March. 

The  second  platoon  will  continue  to  march 
straight  forward,  and  when  nearly  up  with  the  first, 
tlie  captain  will  command  : — Forward,  and  at  the 
uistant  the  two  platoons  shall  unite,  add,  March  ; 
when  they  move  forward  together. 


THE    RECRUIT.  83 

In  a  column,  left  in  front,  the  same  movement 
will  be  executed  by  inverse  means,  applying:  to  the 
second  platoon  what  has  been  prescribed  ioi-  the 
first,  and  reciprocally. 

To  Diminish  and  Increase  Front  of  Column,  in 
Marching,  by  File,  and  by  Files. 

Diminishing  by  File. 

The  company  being  in  march,  and  supposed  to 
constitute  part  of  a  column  right  in  front,  the  in- 
structor will  give  the  order  to  the  captain,  who  will 
command : — 1 .  One  File  from  Left  to  the  Rear. 
2.  March. 

At  the  command  march,  the  first  file  on  the  left 
will  mark  time,  and  as  soon  as  the  rear  rank  of  the 
company  has  passed  the  men  of  that  file  respec- 
tively, the  rear-rank  man  of  the  particular  file  will 
advance  a  little  the  outer  shoulder,  taking  specia 
care  not  to  lose  his  distance,  and  place  himself 
behind  the  second  file  from  the  left ;  the  front-rank 
man  will,  in  like  manner,  place  himself  behind  the 
first  file,  and  thus  continue  the  march. 

To  cause  another  file  to  break  off",  the  same  com- 
mand will  be  given,  when  the  file  already  broken 
oiS',  will  move  the  space  of  one  file  to  the  right, 
and  make  room  between  itself  and  the  rear  rank  of 
the  company  for  the  file  last  ordered  to  the  rear. 

Increasing  by  File. 

To  cause  files  broken  off  to  return  into  line,  the 
captain  will  command  ;  1 .  One  File  into  Line ;  2 
March. 


84  THE   RECRUIT. 

At  the  command  march^  the  front  file  will  return 
quickly  into  line,  and  the  remaining  files  incline 
the  space  of  one  file  to  the  left. 

Diminishing  by  Files. 

If  several  files  are  to  break  off  at  the  same 
time,  the  files  named  mark  time,  each  rank  will 
advance  a  little  the  outer  shoulder,  as  it  shall  be 
cleared  by  the  rear  rank  of  the  company,  oblique 
in  rank,  and  place  itself  behind  one  of  the  two 
nearest  files,  the  rear-rank  man  (the  first  cleared) 
behind  the  second  file,  and  the  front  rank  behind 
the  first  file,  in  the  positions  which  each  would 
have  occupied,  if  the  movement  had  been  made  file 
by  file. 

Increasing  by  Files. 

To  cause  several  files  broken  off  to  be  brougni 
into  line  at  once,  the  captain  will  command :  1 . 
— Files  into  Line ;  2.  March. 

At  the  command  rnarch,  the  files  designated  will 
advance  the  right  shoulder,  move  up  and  form  on 
the  flank  of  the  company  by  the  shortest  lines. 

As  often  as  a  file  or  files  shall  break  off  to  the 
rear,  the  guide  on  that  flank  will  gradually  close 
on  the  nearest  front-rank  man  remaining  in  line, 
and  so  will  he  open  out  to  make  room  for  a  file  or 
files  ordered  into  line. 

Files  will  only  be  broken  off  from  the  side  of 
direction  in  order  that  the  whole  company  may 
easily  pass  from  the  front  to  the  flank  march. 


r 


THE   RECRUIT.  85 

To  March  in  Column  of  Route,  and  to  Execute  the 
Movements  Incident  Thereto. 

The  length  of  the  route-step  will  be  twenty- 
eight  inches,  and  at  the  rate  of  ninety  in  a  minute. 

The  company  being  at  a  halt,  and  supposed  to 
constitute  part  of  a  column,  the  instructor  will 
command : 

1.  Column,  Forward.     2.  Guide,  Left  (or  Right). 
3.  Route-step.     4.  March. 

At  the  command  march,  repeated  by  the  captain, 
the  ranks  will  step  off  together ;  the  rear  rank  will 
take,  in  marching,  a  distance  of  one  pace  from  the 
front  rank ;  the  men  without  further  command, 
will  carry  their  arms  at  will.  They  will  no  longer 
be  required  to  march  in  cadence,  or  to  remain 
silent ;  but  care  will  be  taken  to  prevent  the  ranks 
from  intermixing,  the  front  rank  from  getting  in 
advance  of  the  guide,  and  the  rear  rank  from  open- 
ing to  too  great  a  distance. 

The  company  marching  in  the  route-step,  the 
instructor  will  cause  it  to  change  direction  to  the 
side  of  the  guide,  and  to  the  reverse  flank,  which 
will  be  executed  without  formal  commands,  on  a 
simple  caution  from  the  captain ;  the  rear  rank, 
will  change  direction  on  the  same  ground  on  which 
the  front  rank  had  changed ;  each  rank  will  con- 
form itself,  although  in  the  route-step,  to  the  prin- 
ciples which  have  been  prescribed  ibr  the  change 
in  closed  ranks,  with  this  difference  only  :  that  the 
pivot  man,  on  the  reverse  flank,  will  take  steps  ot 
fourteen  instead  of  nine  inches,  in  order  to  clear 
the  wheeling  point. 


86  TfiE  EECEXJIT. 

To  pass  to  closed  ranks  and  the  cadenced  step, 
the  instructor  will  command  : 

1,  Shoulder  Arms.     2.  Close  Order.     S.March. 

At  the  command  march^  the  rear  rank  will  re- 
gain, by  lengthening  a  few  steps,  the  habitual  dis- 
tance, and  the  whole  will  resume  the  cadenced 
pace. 

To  resume  the  route-step,  the  instructor  will 
command : 

1.  Route-Step.     2.  March. 

At  the  command  march,  the  company  will  re 
sume  the  route  march  as  above  prescribed. 

To  march  by  the  flank  in  the  same  direction,  the 
instructor  will  first  cause  arms  to  be  shouldered 
and  supported,  and  the  ranks  to  be  closed,  and  then 
command : 

1.  Company,  by  the  Right  (or  Left)  Flank,     2.  By 
File  Left  (or  Right.)     3.  March. 

At  the  command  march,  the  company  will  face 
in  marching  and  wheel  by  file,  in  the  direction 
indicated.  If  any  files  are  broken  off  to  the  rear, 
they  will  regain  their  places  by  wheeling,  and  fol- 
low the  movement  of  the  company. 

Marching  in  the  route-step,  to  diminish  and  in- 
crease front  by  platoon,  the  same  commands  and 
means  are  observed,  as  if  the  march  were  in  the 
cadenced  step,  with  this  single  difference,  that,  in 
the  platoon  which  obliques,  each  man  will  half 


THE    RECRUIT.  87 

lace  to  the  right  or  left,  and  thus  march  diagonally 
till  tlie  platoon  covers  or  unmasks  the  other  platoon. 

To  diminish  front  by  section,  the  captain  will 
cause  arms  to  be  shouldered,  ranks  to  be  closed, 
and  then  command:  1.  Break  into  Sections;  2. 
March.  The  movements  will  be  executed  ac- 
cording to  the  principles  indicated  for  the  same 
movements  by  platoon  in  close  order.  As  soon  as 
the  sections  are  formed,  the  route-step  will  be  re- 
sumed. The  right  sections  of  platoons  will  be 
commanded  by  the  captain  and  first  lieutenant, 
respectively ;  the  left  sections,  by  the  two  next 
subalterns  in  rank,  or,  in  their  absence,  by  ser- 
geants. Front  may  be  diminished,  by  section,  if 
the  platoons  have  a  front  of  ten  or  more  files — not 
otherwise. 

To  increase  front  by  section,  the  captain  wil 
cause  arms  to  be  shouldered,  ranks  to  be  closed 
and  then  command  :  1 .  Form  Platoons ;  2.  March. 
As  soon  as  the  platoons  are  formed,  the  route-step 
will  be  resumed. 

Files  are  broken  oflT,  and  formed  into  line,  ac- 
cording to  the  principles  already  prescribed,  the 
ranks  being  first  closed,  and  arms  shouldered. 

Wlien  the  company,  marching  in  the  route-step, 
halts,  the  rear  rank  will  close  up  to  the  habitual 
distance  at  the  command  halt,  and  the  whole  will 
shoulder  arms. 

Countermarch. 

The  company  being  at  a  halt,  and  supposed  to 
constitute  part  of  a  coluixin,  the  instructor  wil? 
command : 


88  THE    RECRXnT. 

1.    Countermarch,      2.    Company^    by    the   Right 

Flank.     3.  Right— Face.    4.  J3y  File  Left.     5. 

March. 

At  the  third  command,  the  company  will  face  to 
the  right,  the  two  guides  to  the  right  ahout ;  the 
captain  will  go  to  the  right  of  his  company,  cause 
two  files  to  break  to  the  rear,  and  place  himself 
beside  the  leading  front-rank  man,  to  conduct  him. 
At  the  command  march,  both  guides  will  stand 
fast ;  the  company  will  step  off  smartly ;  the  first 
file,  conducted  by  the  captain,  will  wheel  around 
the  right  guide,  and  direct  its  march  along  the 
front  rank,  so  as  to  arrive  behind,  and  two  paces 
from  the  left  guide ;  each  file  will  wheel  in  succes- 
sion, around  the  right  guide ;  when  the  leading 
file  is  opposite  to  the  left  guide,  the  captain  will 
command:  1.  Company;  2. 'Halt  ;  3.  Front — 
Face  ;  4.  Right — Dress. 

The  first  command  will  be  given  at  four  paces 
from  the  point  where  the  leading  file  is  to  rest.  At 
the  second  the  company  will  halt.  At  the  third,  it 
will  face  to  the  front.  At  the  fourth  command,  the 
company  will  dress  by  the  right ;  the  captain  will 
fetep  two  paces  outside  of  the  left  guide,  now  on 
the  right,  and  direct  the  alignment,  so  that  tlie 
front  rank  may  be  enclosed  between  the  two  guides  ; 
the  company  being  aligned,  he  will  command 
Front,  and  place  himself  before  the  centre  of  the 
company  ;  the  guides,  passing  along  the  front  rank, 
will  shift  to  their  proper  places. 

In  a  column,  by  platoon,  the  countermarch  will 
be  executed  by  the  same  commands,  and  according 
to  the  same  principles  ;  the  guide  of  each  platoon 


THE   RECRUIT.  89 

will  face  about,  and  its  chief  will  place  himself  by 
the  side  of  the  file  on  the  right  to  conduct  it. 

In  a  column,  left  in  front,  the  countermarch  will 
be  executed  by  inverse  commands  and  means,  but 
according  to  the  same  principles.  Thus,  the  move- 
ment will  be  made  by  the  right  flank  of  subdivi- 
sions, if  the  right  be  in  front,  and  by  the  left  flank, 
if  the  left  be  in  front :  in  both  cases  the  subdivisions 
will  wheel  by  file  to  the  side  of  the  front  rank. 

MarcMng  in  Column  Inj  Platoon,  to  Form  on  the 
Right,  or  Left,  in  Line  of  Battle. 
The  column  by  platoon,  right  in  front,  being  in 
march,  to  form  it  on  the  right  into  line,  the  in- 
structor will  command : 

1.   On  the  Right,  into  Line.     2.   Guide  Right. 

At  the  second  command,  the  guide  of  eacli  pla- 
toon will  shift  quickly  to  its  right  flank,  and  the 
men  will  touch  elbows  to  the  right,  the  column 
continuing  to  march  straight  forward.  The  in- 
structor, having  given  the  second  command,  will 
throw  himself  (or  send  a  marker),  to  the  point  at 
which  the  right  of  the  company  ought  to  rest  in 
line,  and  place  himself  facing  the  point  of  direction 
to  the  left  which  he  will  choose.  The  line  of  bat- 
tle ought  so  to  be  chosen  that  the  guide  of  each 
platoon  may  have  nine  paces  to  take  to  come  upon 
the  line. 

When  the  head  of  the  column  is  nearly  opposite 
to  the  marker,  the  chief  of  the  first  platoon  will 
command  : — 1 .  Right  turn ;  and  when  exactly 
opposite  to  that  point,  he  will  add — 2.  March. 


90  THE    RECRUIT. 

At  the  command  march,  the  first  platoon  will 
turn  to  the  right  in  conformity  with  the  principles 
prescribed  in  tlie  squad  drill ;  its  guide  will  so 
direct  his  march  as  to  bring  the  front-rank  man, 
next  on  his  left,  opposite  to  the  marker ;  the  chief 
of  the  platoon  will  march  before  its  centre  ;  and 
when  its  guide  shall  be  near  the  line,  he  will  com- 
mand : — 1.  Platoon.     2.  Halt. 

At  the  second  command,  which  will  be  given  at 
the  instant  the  right  of  the  platoon  shall  arrive  at 
the  distance  of  three  paces  from  the  line  of  battle, 
the  platoon  will  halt;  the  files, not  yet  in  line, will 
come  up  promptly.  The  guide  will  throw  himself 
on  the  line,  opposite  to  one  of  the  three  left  files  of 
his  platoon ;  he  will  face  to  the  marker,  and  be 
aligned  on  the  direction  to  the  left.  The  chief  of 
platoon  having  at  the  same  time  gone  to  the  point 
where  the  right  of  the  company  is  to  rest,  will,  as 
soon  as  he  sees  all  the  files  of  the  platoon  in  line, 
command  :     Ri^ht — Dress. 

The  second  platoon  will  continue  to  march 
straight  forward,  until  its  guide  shall  arrive  oppo- 
site to  the  left  file  of  the  first ;  it  will  then  turn  to 
the  right  at  the  command  of  its  chief,  and  march 
towards  the  line  of  battle,  its  guide  directing  him- 
self on  the  left  file  of  the  first  platoon. 

The  guide  having  arrived  at  the  distance  of  three 
paces  from  the  line,  this  platoon  will  be  halted,  as 
prescribed  for  the  first ;  at  the  instant  it  hafts,  its 
guide  will  throw  himself  on  the  line,  opposite  to 
one  of  the  three  left  files  of  his  platoon,  and  will 
he  assured  in  his  position  by  the  instructor.  The 
chief  of  the  second  platoon,  seeing  all  its  files  in 


THE    RECRUIT.  91 

line,  and  its  guide  established  on  the  direction,  will 
command  :     Right — Dress. 

Having  given  this  command,  he  will  return  to 
his  place  as  a  file-closer,  passing  around  the  left ; 
the  second  platoon  will  dress  up  on  the  alignment 
of  the  first,  and  when  established,  the  captain  will 
command :     Front. 

The  movement  ended,  the  instructor  will  com- 
mand :     Guides — Posts. 

At  this,  the  two  guides  will  return  to  their  places 
In  line. 

A  column,  by  platoon,  left  in  front,  will  form  on 
the  left  into  line,  according  to  the  same  principles, 
and,  by  inverse  means,  applying  to  the  second 
platoon  what  is  prescribed  for  the  first,  and  recip- 
rocally. The  chief  of  the  second  platoon  having 
aligned  it,  from  the  left,  will  retire  to  his  place,  as 
a  file-closer.  The  captain  having  halted  the  first 
platoon  three  paces  behind  the  line,  will  go  to  the 
left  of  the  company  to  align  this  platoon,  and  then 
command  :  Front.  At  the  command.  Guides — 
Posts,  given  by  the  instructor,  the  captain  will  shift 
to  his  proper  flank,  and  the  guides  take  their  places 
in  the  line. 

.  The  instructor  will  sometimes  cause  arms  to  be 
supported,  marching  by  the  flank,  and  sometimes 
to  be  shifted  to  the  right  shoulder,  marching  by 
the  front.  When  arms  are  shifted  to  the  right 
shoulder,  ranks  will  always  open  out  from  three  to 
four  inches ;  thus,  at  the  command.  To  Right 
Shoulder,  Shift — Arms,  which  will  be  given  when 
in  march,  the  rear  rank  will  shorten  the  first  step, 
in  order  to  open  out  that  number  of  inches  ;  and 
at  the  command,  Shoulder — Arms,  the  same  rank 


92  THE    RECRUIT. 

will  lengthen  the  first  step  the  same  number  of 
inches,  in  order  to  close  up  again  to  the  habitual 
distance. 

As  often  as  a  company,  marching  otlierwise  than 
at  carried  arms,  halts,  it  will  carry  arms  at  the 
command  halt.     This  rule  is  general. 


MANUAL    OF    ARMS. 

FOR  SERGEANTS. 

The  sergeants,  like  the  rank  and  file,  will  always 
preisent  themselves  under  arms  with  bayonets 
fixed. 

All  sergeants,  and  all  corporals  not  in  the  ranks 
and  files,  will  carry  and  handle  their  arms,  as 
herein  prescribed  for  sergeants. 

Sergeants,  in  the  manual  of  arms,  will  observe 
in  all  the  times  the  cadence  prescribed  for  the  rank 
and  file.  In  the  loadings  and  firings,  they  will 
remain  at  tlie  shoulder,  or  support  arms,  according 
to  tJie  order  which  they  may  receive. 

Position  of  Shouldered  Arms. 

The  piece  within  the  right  arm,  the  barrel  to  the 
rear,  erect,  and  resting  against  the  hollow  of  the 
shoulder ;  the  right  arm  nearly  straight,  the  right 
hand  embracing  the  cock  and  guard,  and  tlie  left 
arm  hanging  by  the  side. 


THE    RECRUIT.  93 

Present — Arms. 

First  Motion. — With  the  right  hand  bring  the 
piece  erect,  opposite  to  the  centre  of  the  body,  the 
rammer  to  the  front ;  at  the  same  time  seize  the 
piece  with  the  left  hand  above  the  lock,  the  little- 
finger  against  the  feather-spring,  the  thumb  ex- 
tended along  the  barrel  and  on  the  stock,  the  fore- 
arm resting  on  the  body,  without  constraint,  and 
the  hand  at  the  height  of  the  elbow. 

Second  Motion. — Correct  the  position  of  the 
right  hand,  so  as  to  bring  it  under,  and  against  the 
guard,  as  in  the  case  of  the  men. 

Shoulder — Arms  . 

First  Motion. — Slip  the  left  hand,  on  the  piece, 
to  the  height  of  the  shoulder,  and  with  this  hand 
bring  the  piece  erect  against  the  right  shoulder ; 
embrace,  with  the  right  hand,  the  cock  and  guard, 
the  right  arm  nearly  straight. 

Second  Motion, — Drop  the  left  hand  smartly  by 
the  side. 

Order — Arms. 

First  Motion. — Bring  the  left  hand  promptly  to 
the  middle  band ;  detach  the  piece  a  little  from  the 
shoulder  with  the  right  hand  ;  quit  the  hold  of  the 
right  hand  ;  lower  the  piece  with  the  left,  seizing 
it  again  with  the  right  above  the  lower  band,  the 
thumb  on  the  barrel,  the  four  fingers  extended  on 
the  stock,  the  piece  erect,  the  butt  about  three 
inches  from  the  ground,  the  toe  of  the  butt  over 
its  place,  and  drop  the  left  hand  by  the  side. 


94  THE    RECRUIT. 

Second  Motion. — Let  the  piece  slip  through  the 
right  hand,  opening  a  little  the  thumb  and  fingers, 
so  that  the  butt  may  come  to  the  ground  without 
shock,  its  toe  in  a  line  with,  and  against  the  toe  of 
the  right  foot. 

-  Shoulder — Arms. 

First  Motion. -^With  the  right  hand,  raise  the 
piece  perpendicularly,  the  hand  at  the  height  of  the 
right  breast,  opposite  to  the  shoulder,  but  further 
out,  and  about  two  inches  from  the  body,  on  which 
the  right  elbow  will  rest ;  seize  the  piece  with  the 
left  hand  under  the  right ;  drop  the  right  hand,  and 
with  it  embrace  the  cock  and  guard,  supporting 
the  piece  against  the  right  shoulder,  the  right  arm 
nearly  straight. 

Second  Motion. — Let  the  left  hand  fall  smartly 
by  the  side. 

Support — Arms. 

First  Motion. — ^With  the  right  hand  bring  the 
piece  erect  between  the  eyes,  the  rammer  to  the 
front ;  seize  the  piece  with  the  left  hand  above  the 
lock,  the  little  finger  on  the  feather  spring,  and 
grasp  the  piece  at  the  same  time  about  four  inches 
below  the  lock  with  the  right  hand. 

Second  Motion. — With  the  right  hand  turn  the 
piece,  the  barrel  to  the  front,  support  it  against  the 
left  shoulder,  and  bring  the  left  fore  arm  between 
the  cock  and  right  hand,  horizontally  across  the 
body,  the  cock  resting  on  the  left  fore-arm,  and  the 
lelt  hand  on  the  right  breast. 


THE    RECRUIT.  95 

Third  Motion. — ^Drop  smartly  the  right  hand  by 
the  side. 

Shoulder — Arms. 

First  Motion. — Seize  the  piece  with  the  right 
hand,  under  and  against  the  left  fore-arm. 

Second  Motion. — Bring  the  piece  erect,  with  the 
right  hand,  against  the  right  shoulder,  the  rammer 
to  the  front ;  seize  it  with  the  left  hand,  at  the 
height  of  the  shoulder  ,  correct  the  position  of  the 
right  hand  at  the  same  time  so  as  to  embrace  the 
cock  and  guard,  the  right  arm  nearly  straight. 

Third  Motion. — Drop  smartly  the  left  hand  by 
the  side. 

Unfix B  A  YONE  T . 

First  Motion. — Bring  the  left  hand  promptly  to 
the  middle  band,  detach  a  little  the  piece  from  the 
shoulder,  with  the  right  hand. 

Second  Motion. — Lower  the  piece  with  the  left 
hand,  seize  it  with  the  right  above  the  lower  band  ; 
rest  the  butt  on  the  ground,  letting  the  piece  slip 
through  the  left  liand  ;  bring  the  right  hand  imme- 
diately to  the  bayonet. 

Third  Motion. — Wrest  off  the  bayonet  and  return 
it  to  the  scabbard ;  next  seize  the  piece  with  the 
right  hand  a  little  above  the  lower  band ;  drop  the 
left  hand  at  the  same  time  by  the  side,  and  take 
the  position  of  the  soldier  at  ordered  arms. 

Shoulder — A  r  ms. 
As  from  ordered  arms. 


96  THE    RECRUIT. 

Fix — ^Bayonets. 

First  and  second  Motions. — As  those  of  unjix 
bayonet,  except  that  at  the  end  of  the  second  mo- 
tion the  right  hand  will  be  brought  to  seize  the 
bayonet  by  the  socket  and  shank,  so  that  the  socket 
may  extenii  about  an  inch  above  the  heel  of  the 
hand. 

Third  Motion. — Draw  the  bayonet  from  the  scab- 
bard with  the  right  hand,  carry  and  fix  it  on  the 
muzzle ;  next  seize  the  piece  with  the  right  hand 
above  the  lower  band,  and  drop  smartly  the  left 
hand  by  the  side. 

Slioulder — Arms. 
As  from  ordered  arms. 


THE  RECRUIT.  9*7 


PARADE    REST. 


On  all  parades  of  ceremony,  such  as  RevTews, 
Guard  Mounting,  at  Troop  or  Retreat  parades, 
&c.,  instead  of  the  word  "Rest,"  which  allows 
the  men  to  move  or  change  the  position  of  their 
bodies,  the  command  will  be,  "  Parade  Rest.^^  At 
the  last  word  of  this  command,  the  soldier  will 
carry  the  right  foot  six  inches  in  rear  of  the  left 
heel,  the  left  knee  slightly  bent,  the  body  upright 
upon  the  right  leg ;  the  piece  (if  at  ordered  arms) 
resting  against  the  hollow  of  the  right  shoulder, 
the  hands  crossed  in  front,  the  backs  of  them  out- 
ward, and  the  left  hand  uppermost. 

If  at  the  command  "  Parade  Rest,''^  the  men  are 
at  suppoi'i  arms,  they  will  bring  up  smartly  the 
right  hand  to  the  small  of  the  stock,  carry  back  the 
right  foot,  and  stand  at  ease  as  above. 

At  the  command  "  Attention  /"  the  soldier  will 
resume  the  correct  position  at  ordered  arms  or 
at  support  arms. 

In  the  positions  here  indicated,  the  soldier  will 
remain  silent  and  motionless ;  and  it  is  particularly 
enjoined  upon  all  officers  to  cause  the  commands 
above  given,  on  the  part  of  the  soldier,  to  be  execut 
ed  with  great  briskness  and  spirit. 


RIFLE   MAlfUAL   EXERCISE. 


LOADINGS  AND  FIRINGS 

With  Cartridcres, 


MANUAL   OF   ARMS. 


1. 

Present  Arms, 

2. 

Shoulder  Arms. 

3. 

Support  Arms. 

4. 

Carry  Arms. 

6. 

Order  Arms. 

6. 

Shoulder  Arms, 

7. 

Trail  Arms. 

8. 

Change  Hands, 

9. 

Rechange  Hands. 

10. 

Secure  Arms. 

n. 

Trail  Arms. 

12. 

Shoulder  Arms, 

13. 

To  the  Left  Shoulder, 

14. 

Shoulder  Arms, 

Shift  Arms. 

16. 

Fix  Bayonet. 

16. 

Shoulder  Arms, 

17. 

Charge  Bayonet, 

18. 

Shoulder  Arms, 

19. 

Unfix  Bayonet. 

20. 

Shoulder  Arms, 

21.  Load  in  Eight  Times, 

Firings  direct,  oblique, 

and 

by  file. 

MANUAL. 

Shoulder 

—Arms. 

The  piece  in  the  right  hand,  and  erect,  the  bar- 
rel to  the  rear,  and  resting  against  the  right  shoul- 
der, the  right  arm  nearly  straight,  the  right  hand 


THE    RECRUIT.  99 

embracing  the  cock  and  guard,  and  the  left  arm 
hanging  by  the  eide. 

Present — Arms. 

First  Motion. — With  the  right  hand  bring  the 
piece  erect  to  the  centre  of  the  body,  the  barrel  to 
the  rear,  seize  it  smartly  with  the  left  hand  above 
and  near  the  lock,  the  thumb  extended  along  the 
barrel  and  on  the  stock,  the  fore-arm  resting  on 
the  body  without  constraint,  and  the  left  hand  at 
the  height  of  the  left  elbow. 

Second  Motion. — Grasp  the  handle  with  the  right 
hand. 

Shoulder — Arms. 

First  Motion. — Carry  the  piece  with  the  right 
hand  erect  against  the  right  shoulder,  the  rammer 
to  the  front,  the  right  arm  nearly  straight ;  glide 
the  left  hand  to  the  shoulder,  and  embrace  the  cock 
and  guard  with  the  right  hand. 

Second  Motion. — Drop  the  left  hand. 

Support — Arms. 

Bring  the  piece  (by  bending  the  right  arm)  across 
the  body,  the  barrel  resting  in  the  joint  of  the  right 
elbow. 

Carry — Arms. 

Bring  the  piece  quickly  to  the  right  side,  into  the 
position  of  shoulder  arms. 


lOO  THE    RECRUIT. 

Order — Arms. 

First  Motion. — Seize  the  piece  with  the  left  hand 
at  the  shoulder,  and  quit  the  hold  of  the  right; 
lower  the  piece  with  the  left  hand,  and  seize  it  with 
the  right  above  the  tail-band ;  the  piece  erect,  the 
butt  three  inches  from  the  ground,  and  drop  the 
left  hand. 

Second  Motion. — Drop  the  piece  to  the  ground, 
without  shock,  the  toe  of  the  butt  against,  and  in 
a  line  with,  the  toe  of  the  right  foot. 

Shoulder — Arms. 

First  Motion. — Raise  the  piece  quickly  with  the 
right  hand,  seize  it  with  the  left  at  the  shoulder ; 
grasp  the  cock  and  guard  with  the  right  hand. 

Second  Motion. — Drop  the  left  hand. 

Trail — Arms. 

First  Motion. — Drop  the  piece  to  the  front,  and 
grasp  it  with  the  left  hand  at  the  tail-band. 

Second  Motion. — Seize  the  piece  with  the  right 
hand  at  the  swell,  and  trail  it  to  the  right  side  at 
arm's  length,  the  butt  a  little  lower  than  the  muzzle. 

Change — Hands. 

First  Motion. — Carry  the  piece  to  the  front  with 
the  right  hand,  seize  it  with  the  left  at  the  swell  ;* 
drop  the  right  hand,  and  hold  the  piece  perpendic- 
ularly in  front  of  the  body. 

Second  Motion. — Trail  the  piece  on  the  left  side. 


THE    RECRUIT.  101 

Rechange — Hands. 

First  Motion, — Carry  the  piece  to  the  front  with 
the  left  hand,  seize  it  with  the  right  at  the  swell ; 
drop  the  left  hand,  and  hold  the  piece  perpendicu- 
larly ill  front  of  the  body. 

Second  Motion. — Trail  the  piece  on  the  right 
side. 

Secure — Arms. 

Secure  arms  from  a  trail  is  always  to  be  done 
with  that  hand,  and  under  that  arm,  which  holds 
the  piece,  without  any  assistance  of  the  other.  At 
the  command  arms,  the  barrel  is  turned  down,  by 
rounding  the  wrist ;  at  the  same  time  raise  the  lock 
under  the  arm,  drop  the  muzzle,  and  place  the 
thumb  on  the  rammer. 

l^ail — Arms. 

Trail  arms  from  a  secure  is  done  on  that  side, 
and  with  that  hand,  which  holds  the  piece.  At  the 
command  arms,  the  piece  is  brought  to  the  trail,  by 
turning  the  barrel  up,  and  extending  the  arm. 

Shoulder — Arms. 

At  the  command  shoulder,  raise  the  piece  perpen- 
dicularly in  the  right  hand. 

At  the  command  arms,  raise  the  piece  quickly 
with  the  right  hand,  seize  it  with  the  left  at  the 
shoulder;  grasp  the  cock  and  guard  with  the  right 
hand. 

Second  Motion. — Drop  the  left  hand. 


102  .  THE    RECRUIT. 

To  the  Left  Shoulder,  shift — Arms  ;  or^ 
Arms — At  will. 

First  Motion. — Bring  the  piece  erect,  to  the  cen- 
tre of  the  body,  as  in  present  arms. 

Second  Motion. — Turn  the  piece,  the  barrel  out, 
and  carry  it  against  the  left  shoulder,  as  in  the  in- 
fjintry  tactics. 

Third  Motion. — Slope  the  piece  diagonally  to 
the  rear,  and  drop  the  right  hand. 

Shoulder — Arms. 

First  Motion. — Raise  the  piece  perpendicularly 
in  the  left  hand,  and  seize  it  at  the  handle  with  the 
right. 

Second  Motion. — Carry  the  piece  with  the  right 
hand  to  the  right  shoulder,  turning  the  rammer  to 
the  front ;  seize  the  piece  with  the  left  hand  at  the 
shoulder,  and  grasp  the  cock  and  guard  with  the 
right  hand. 

Third  Motion. — ^Drop  the  left  hand. 

Fix — Bayonet. 

First  Motion. — Make  a  hal^  face  to  the  right,  and 
seize  the  piece  with  the  left  hand  at  the  shoulder. 

Second  Motion. — Quit  the  hold  of  the  right  hand, 
with  the  left  lower  the  piece  to  the  ground  without 
shock,  and  carry  the  right  hand  to  tlie  bayonet. 

Third  Motion. — Draw  the  bayonet  from  the  scab- 
bard, carry  and  fix  it  on  the  barrel ;  seize  the  piece 
with  the  right  hand,  drop  the  left,  face  to  the  front, 
and  assume  the  position  of  order  arms. 


THE    RECllUIT.  103 

iS  koulder — Ar  ms. 
Ttco  Motions. — As  from  order  arms. 

Charge — B  a  yone  t. 

First  Motion. — Half  face  to  the  right,  and  place 
the  hollow  of  the  right  foot  three  inches  in  rear  of 
the  left  heel. 

Second  Motion. — Drop  the  piece  to  the  front,  and 
grasp  it  with  the  left  hand,  so  that  the  left  elbow 
shall  be  near  the  body ;  at  the  same  time  seize  the 
handle  with  the  right  hand  to  support  it  against  the 
hip,  the  point  of  the  bayonet  at  the  height  of  the 
eye. 

Shoulder — Arms. 

First  Motion. — Face  to  the  front ;  at  the  same 
time  spring  up  the  piece  with  the  left  hand  to  the 
right  shoulder,  and  grasp  the  cock  and  guard  with 
the  right  hand. 

Second  Motion. — Drop  the  left  hand. 

Unjlx — Bayonet. 

First  Motion. — Make  a  half  face  to  the  right,  and 
seize  the  piece  with  the  left  hand  at  the  shoulder. 

Second  Motion. — Quit  the  hold  of  the  right  hand, 
with  the  left  lower  the  piece  to  the  ground  without 
shock,  and  carry  the  right  hand  to  the  bayonet. 

Third  Motion. — Wrest  off  the  bayonet,  return 
it  to  the  scabbard ;  seize  the  piece  with  the  right 
hand,  drop  the  left,  face  to  the  front,  and  assume 
the  position  of  order  arms. 
1* 


104  THE    IlECRUrr. 

Shoulder — Arms. 
T\do  Motions. — As  from  order  arms. 

When  acting  in  open  order,  bayonets  wall  be 
fixed  whenever  the  soldier  finds  it  necessary  for 
attack  or  defence.  If  on  the  march,  the  piece  will 
be  brought  to  a  trail  on  the  left  side,  and  the  bay- 
onet fixed  with  the  right  hand. 

LOAD    IN    EIGHT  TIMES 

With  Cartridges* 

1.  Load. 

First  Motion. — Make  a  half  face  to  the  right,  and 
seize  the  piece  with  the  left  hand  at  the  shoulder. 

Second  Motion. — Quit  the  hold  of  the  right  hand, 
with  the  left  lower  the  piece  to  the  ground,  with- 
out shock,  and  turn  the  rammer  towards  the  body 
(if  loading  with  hall  cartridge^  place  the  butt  be- 
tween the  heels,  the  barrel  between  the  knees, 
which  must  be  bent  for  that  purpose)  ;  carry  the 
right  hand  quickly  to  the  cartridge-box,  and  open  it. 

2.  Handle — Cartridge. 

Seize  a  cartridge  with  the  thumb  and  the  two 
next  fingers,  and  place  it  between  the  teeth. 

3.   Tear — Cartridge. 

Tear  the  paper  down  to  the  powder,  hold  the 
cartridge  upright  between   the   thumb   and   next 


THE    RECRUIT.  106 

two  fingers  near  the  top ;  in  this  position,  place  it 
in  front  of  and  near  the  muzzle. 

4.   Charge — Cartridge. 

Fix  the  eye  on  the  muzzle,  turn  quickly  the  back 
of  the  righthund  towards  the  body,  in  order  to  dis- 
charge the  powder  into  the  barrel,  raise  the  elbow 
to  the  height  of  the  wrist,  shake  tlie  cartridge,  force 
ft  into  the  muzzle,  and  leave  the  hand  reversed, 
the  fore-finger  resting  on  the  butt  of  the  rammer. 


6.  Draw — Rammer. 

First  Motion, — Drop  smartly  the  right  elbow, 
and  seize  tlie  rammer  between  the  thumb  and  fore- 
finger bent,  the  other  fingers  shut;  draw  it  smartly, 
extending  tlie  arm,  seize  the  rammer  again  at  the 
middle,  between  the  thumb  and  fore-finger,  the 
hand  reversed,  the  palm  to  the  front,  the  nails  up, 
the  eyes  following  the  movement  of  the  hand; 
clear  the  rammer  from  the  pipes  by  again  extend- 
ing the  arm. 

Second  Motion. — Turn  rapidly  the  rammer  near 
the  fiice,  closing  the  fingers,  the  arm  extended,  the 
butt  of  the  rammer  opposite  to  the  muzzle,  the  eyes 
fixed  on  the  muzzle. 

Third  Motion. — Insert  the  butt  of  the  rammer, 
and  force  it  down  as  low  as  the  hand ;  except  that 
with  ball  cartridge,  the  left  hand  will  quit  the  rifle, 
and  grasp  the  rammer  about  six  inches  from  the 
muzzle. 


106  THE    RECRUIT. 

6.  Ram — Cartridge. 

Extend  the  arm  to  seize  the  rammer  between  the 
right  thumb  extended  and  the  fore-finger  bent,  the 
other  fingers  closed ;  with  force  ram  home  twice, 
and  seize  the  rammer  at  the  little  end,  between  the 
thumb  and  fore-finger  bent,  the  other  fingers  closed, 
the  right  elbow  touching  the  body;  except  that 
w'ith  hall  cartridge^  when  it  will  be  forced  down 
with  both  hands ;  the  left  hand  will  then  seize  the 
rifle,  the  right  the  little  end  of  the  rammer,  and  the 
soldier  stand  erect. 

7.  Return — Rammer. 

First  Motion. — Draw  briskly  the  rammer,  re- 
seize  it  at  the  middle  between  the  thumb  and  fore- 
finger, the  hand  reversed,  the  palm  to  the  front,  the 
nails  up,  the  eyes  following  the  movement  of  the 
hand,  clear  the  rammer  from  the  barrel  by  extend- 
ing the  arm. 

Second  Motion. — Turn  rapidly  the  rammer  near 
the  face,  closing  the  fingers,  the  arm  extended,  the 
little  end  of  the  rammer  opposite  to  the  upper  pipe, 
the  eyes  fixed  on  that  pipe. 

Third  Motion^ — Insert  the  little  end,  and  with 
the  thumb,  which  will  follow  the  movement,  force 
it  as  low  as  the  hand ;  raise  quickly  the  hand  a  lit- 
tle bent,  place  the  little  finger  on  the  butt  of  the 
rammer,  and  force  it  down ;  lower  the  left  hand  on 
the  barrel  to  the  extent  of  the  arm,  without  de- 
pressing the  shoulder. 


THE    RECRUIT.  107 

8.  Shoulder — Arms. 

First  Motion. — Raise  the  piece  quickly,  with  the 
left  hand,  carry  it  against  the  right  shoulder,  turn 
the  rammer  to  the  front,  and  grasp  the  cock  and 
guard  with  the  right  hand ;  at  the  same  time  face 
to  the  front. 

Second  Motion. — Drop  the  left  hand. 

LOAD    IN    THREE    TIMES. 
LOAD. 

Load,  Handle  cartridge.  Tear  cartridge,  Charge 
cartridge. 

TWO. 

Draw  rammer.    Ram  cartridge. 

THREE. 

Return  rammer  and  shoulder  arms. 

LOAD    AT    WILL. 

1.  Load  at  Will     2.  Load. 

Execute  the  loading  as  in  three  times,  but  with- 
out resting  on  the  times. 

Ready.  (From  the  position  of  shoulder  arms.) 

First  Motion. — Make  a  half  face  to  the  right,  and 
place  the  hollow  of  the  right  foot  against  the  left 
tieel. 

Second.  Motion. — Bring  the  piece  with  the  right 


108  THE    BECRUIT 

hand  to  the  middle  of  the  body,  seize  it  with  the 
left  just  above  the  lock,  the  thumb  extended  on  the 
stock  at  the  height  of  the  chin,  the  rammer  oblique- 
ly to  the  left  and  front,  and  grasp  the  handle  with 
the  right  hand. 

Third  Motion. — Place  the  thumb  on  the  hammer, 
the  fore-finger  under  and  on  the  guard,  the  other 
three  fingers  joined  to  the  first,  and  half-cock  the 
piece  ;  brush  off  the  old  cap,  and  with  the  thumb 
and  first  two  fingers  of  the  right  hand  take  a  cap 
from  the  pocket,  place  it  firmly  on  the  cone  by 
pushing  it  down  with  the  thumb ;  place  again  the 
thumb  on  the  hammer. 

Fourth  Motion. — Close  the  right  elbow  smartly 
to  the  body  in  cocking,  seize  the  piece  at  the  han- 
dle, let  it  descend  along  the  body  in  the  left  hand 
to  the  tail-band,  which  Avill  remain  at  the  height 
of  the  shoulder,  and  in  front  of  the  centre  of  the 
body. 

AIM. 

Drop  smartly  the  muzzle,  support  the  butt  against 
the  right  shoulder,  shut  the  left  eye,  direct  the  right 
along  the  barrel,  drop  the  head  upon  the  butt  to 
catch  the  object,  and  place  the  fore-finger  on  the 
trigger. 

The  rear  rank  will,  at  the  same  time,  carry  the 
right  foot  about  eight  inches  towards  the  left  heel 
of  the  man  next  on  the  riffht. 


Apply  the  fore-finger  with  force  to  the  trigger, 
witliout  further  lowering  or  turning  the  head,  and 
remain  in  that  position. 


THK    RECRUIT.  109 

Load.    (From  the  Fire.) 

First  Motion. — Bring  back  the  piece  quickly  with 
both  hands,  depress  the  butt  strongly  by  extending 
the  right  arm,  and  glide  the  left  hand  to  the  shoul- 
der ;  the  rear  rank  will  bring  back  the  right  foot 
behind  the  left. 

Second  Motion. — Sink  the  piece  to  the  gi'ound, 
as  in  loading  in  eight  times,  and  load  at  will. 

Shoulder — Arms.     (From  the  Fire.) 

First  Motion. — Bring  back  the  piece  quickly,  with 
both  hands,  depress  the  butt  strongly  by  extending 
the  right  arm,  glide  the  left  hand  to  the  shoulder, 
and  embrace  the  cock  and  guard  with  the  right 
hand ;  at  the  same  time  face  to  the  front. 

Second  Motion. — Drop  the  left  hand. 

Recover — Arms. 

Withdraw  the  finger  from  the  trigger,  throw  up 
Bmartly  the  muzzle,  and  retake  the  position  of  the 
fourth  motion  of  ready. 

Shoulder — Arms.     (From  the  Recover.) 

At  the  command  shoulder,  face  to  the  front,  bring 
the  piece  to  the  position  of  the  second  motion  of 
ready,  place  the  right  thumb  on  the  head  of  the  cock, 
support  the  fore-finger  on  the  trigger,  sustain  at  the 
same  time  the  cock  in  its  descent,  till  it  nearly 
touches  the  cone,  raise  the  cock  to  the  half-cock 
notch,  the  reaching  of  which  will  be  both  felt  and 


110  th:e  recruit.  • 

heard,  and  vseize  the  handle  of  the  piece  with  the 
right  hand.  At  the  command  arms  carry  the  piece 
smartly  to  the  shoulder,  and  reta]ie  the  position  of 
shoulder  arms. 


LOAD    IN   SIX   TIMES. 

With  Flasks, 

1.  Load. 

First  Motion, — As  loading  in  eight  times. 

Second  Motion. — As  loading  in  eight  times,  ex- 
cept that  instead  of  opening  the  cartridge-box, 
seize  quickly  the  flask,  fill  the  charger  with  pow- 
der, and  place  it  near  the  muzzle,  the  elbow  at  the 
height  of  the  wrist. 

2.  Charge — Cartridge. 

Fix  the  eye  on  the  muzzle,  and  discharge  the 
powder  into  the  barrel,  drop  the  flask,  take  a  wad 
or  ball,  and  place  it  in  the  muzzle. 

3.  Draw  rammer.  4.  Ram  cartridge.  6.  Re- 
turn rammer.  6.  Shoulder  arms.  All  of  which 
will  be  executed  as  in  loading  in  eight  times. 

Ready.     (Kneeling.) 

First  Motion. — Turn  the  left  toe  a  little  within. 
Second  Motion. — Carry  briskly  the   right   foot 


THE    RECRUIT.  Ill 

about  thirty  inches  to  the  rear  of  the  left  heel,  and 
about  six  to  the  right,  according  to  the  height  of 
the  man,  so  that  the  knee  coming  to  the  ground,  as 
will  be  explained  in  the  third  motion,  shall  find 
itself  about  ten  inches  and  a  half  behind  the  left 
heel,  and  about  six  inches  to  the  right,  the  knees  a 
little  bent,  the  body  erect,  and  bearing  equally  on 
the  legs ;  bring  at  the  same  time  the  piece  with  the 
right  hand  opposite  to  the  right  thigh,  the  rammer 
to  the  front ;  seize  the  piece  with  the  left  hand  at 
the  tail-band,  the  hand  at  the  height  of  the  elbow. 

Third  Motion. — Bring  the  right  knee  to  the 
ground,  taking  care  not  to  sink  abruptly,  set  the 
butt  of  the  piece  on  the  ground  without  shock,  so 
that  it  may  be  before  the  right  thigh,  the  toe  of  the 
butt  on  a  line  with  the  left  heel ;  seize  the  cock 
with  the  right  thumb  and  fore-finger. 

Fourth  Motion. — Half-cock,  brush  off  the  old 
cap,  prime,  and  cock  the  piece. 

AIM. 

Raise  the  piece  with  the  left  hand,  and  drop  the 
muzzle  to  the  front ;  seize  the  handle  with  the  right 
hand,  and  bring  up  the  butt  to  the  right  shoulder. 

Recover — Arms. 

Raise  the  muzzle  and  place  the  butt  in  front  of 
the  right  thigh,  as  in  the  third  motion  of  ready  ;  if 
in  this  position  the  command  is  given  to  shoulder 
arms  (or  cease  firing),  the  men  will  rise,  bring  the 
piece  to  the  centre  of  the  body,  half-cock,  and 
shoulder  arms. 


112  THE    RECRUIT. 

Load.     (Kneelijig.) 

Bring  the  piece  with  the  left  hand  to  the  left 
side,  the  butt  well  to  the  rear,  the  barrel  between 
the  left  arm  and  the  body,  and  held  by  the  left 
hand,  the  muzzle  as  high  as  the  breast,  and  throe 
inches  in  rear  of  the  left  knee,  load  at  will,  and 
quickly  resume  the  position  of  ready. 

Ready.     {Lying.) 

To  fire  and  load  lying,  the  recruit  will  place  him- 
self lying  flat  on  his  belly,  his  feet  to  the  rear ;  in 
this  position  he  will  prime,  and  cock  his  piece,  hold- 
ing it  (with  the  left  hand)  diagonally  across  and 
under  his  breast,  aim  and  jire.  So  soon  as  he  hafl 
fired,  he  will  take  out  his  cartridge  with  the  right 
hand,  turn  upon  his  back,  and  throw  the  piece  to 
the  rear,  placing  the  butt  between  his  heels,  with 
the  barrel  up,  and  the  muzzle  raised  above  a  hori- 
zontal position.  During  this  time  he  will  hold  the 
cartridge,  with  the  utmost  care,  in  the  right  hand ; 
he  will  now  tear — cartridge,  charge — cartridge,  draw 
— rammer,  ram — cartridge,  return — rammer,  and 
resume  his  former  position,  lying  on  his  belly,  and 
resting  on  both  elbows,  again  prepared  to  fire. 

At  the  command  or  signal  cease  firing,  in  the 
ying  position,  the  men  will  rise  and  shoulder  arms ; 
if  the  piece  is  cocked,  they  will  bring  it  to  the 
centre  of  the  body,  lialf-cock  and  shoulder  arms. 


SKIRMISHERS; 


OR, 


Light-Infantry  and  Rifle  Company  Moyenients. 


Oeneral  Principles  and  Divisions  of  the  fnstrttction 

By  the  general  term  skirmishers,  will  herein  be 
understood  any  company  or  body  of  infantry, 
whether  denominated  grenadiers,  light-infantry, 
rifle,  or  battalion  companies,  thrown  out  and  ac- 
tually deployed  into  open  files  or  loose  order. 

The  term  will  only  be  applied  to  the  companies 
whilst  so  extended.  The  moment  that  either  shall 
be  re-assembled  or  reformed  into  closed  files,  it 
will  take  its  habitual  denomination  of  grenadiers^ 
light-infantry,  rifles  first  company,  &c. 

The  service  of  skirmishers  will  habitually  be 
performed  by  the  left  flank  companies  of  battalions 
(light-infantry  and  rifle). 

Skirmishers  will  be  thrown  out  to  clear  the  way 
for,  and  to  cover  the  movements  of  the  main  corps 
to  which  they  appertain  ;  accordingly  they  may  De 
thrown  out  to  the  front,  to  a  flank,  to  the  rear,  or 
in  the  several  directions,  as  may  be  deemed  neces- 
sary. 

8 


114  THE    RECRUIT. 

They  will  render  their  movements  subordinate 
to  those  of  the  main  corps,  so  as  constantly  to 
cover  it  in  the  direction  to  which  they  were  thrown.  - 

The  movements  of  a  body  of  skirmishers, 
though  made  in  loose  files,  require  to  be  systemat- 
ized, in  order  to  give  their  commander  the  means 
of  directing  them  according  to  his  views,  and  with 
the  greatest  promptitude. 

Nevertheless,  it  will  not  be  expected  that  those 
movements  should  be  made  with  the  same  harmony 
(ensemble)  in  all  their  bearings,  as  if  made  by 
closed  ranks  and  files  ;  because,  to  attain  that  ac- 
curacy, would  diminish  what  is  more  important  in 
a  body  of  skirmishers — rapidity  of  execution. 

Every  body  of  skirmishers  will  always  have  a 
reserve,  the  strength  and  composition  of  which  will 
vary  according  to  circumstances. 

If  the  body  thrown  out  to  skirmish,  be  within 
sustaining  distance  of  the  main  corps,  it  will  be 
sufficient  for  each  company  to  have,  in  its  rear,  a 
small  reserve,  generally  a  third  of  its  strength, 
destined  to  re-inforce  the  line  of  skirmishers,  and 
to  serve  them  as  a  rallying  point. 

If  the  main  corps  be  at  too  great  a  distance, 
another  reserve  will  be  necessary,  composed  of  an 
entire  company,  or  it  may  be  of  companies,  des- 
tined to  sustain  and  reinforce  such  parts  of  the  line 
of  skirmishers  as  may  be  too  hotly  attacked.  This 
reserve  ought  to  be  strong  enough  to  relieve  at 
least  a  half  of  the  companies  deployed  as  skir- 
mishers. 

Reserves  ought  to  be  placed  behind  the  centres 
of  the  lines  of  skirmishers — company  reserves  at 
about  a  hundred  and  forty,  and  the  principal  re- 


THE    RECRUIT.  115 

serve,  at  about  three  hundred  and  seventy  paces. 
This  rule,  hov^^ever,  will  not  be  invariable ;  the 
commander,  aUvays  holding  his  reserve  within  sus- 
taining distance,  will  next  take  care  to  profit  by  any 
accident  the  ground  may  present  (suf.h  as  trees, 
houses,  fences,  hollows),  to  put  it  under  cover  from 
the  fire  of  the  enemy. 

The  movements  of  skirmishers  will  generally  be 
made  in  quick  time  ;  but  in  circumstances  which 
demand  a  greater  rapidity,  double  quick  time,  and 
even  the  run  will  be  employed. 

In  thf.3  instruction,  the  double  quick  march  will 
De  at  the  rate  of  one  hundred  and  forty  steps  in 
the  minute  :  the  rate  of  the  run  cannot  be  equally 
determined.  This  extreme  swiftness  will  be  re- 
served for  cases  of  absolute  necessity,  in  order  not 
uselessly  to  fatigue  the  men,  and  to  preserve  their 
strength  for  circumstances  in  which  success  may 
principally  depend  on  rapidity  of  movement. 

In  all  the  movements,  skirmishers  (that  is  men, 
in  open  files),  will  habitually  carry  their  pieces  as 
light-infantry,  taking  care  to  avoid  accidents. 

Whenever  the  company  is  put  in  motion  in 
double  quick  time,  or  when  double  quick  time  is  to 
be  assumed  on  the  march,  the  men  will  understand 
that  they  are  to  trail  arms. 

The  movements  of  skirmishers  will  be  executed, 
as  far  as  possible,  by  the  voice  of  the  commander ; 
but  when  the  line  shall  be  too  extended  for  his 
voice  to  be  heard,  he  will  substitute  the  sounds  of 
the  bugle  or  beats  of  the  drum. 

Other  conventional  signs  may,  for  particular 
cases  (as  the  want  of  both  drum  and  bugle),  be 
adopted  to  express  the  same  commands :  as  the 


116  THE    RECRUIT. 

Bword  held  at  arm's  length  above  the  head,  to  the 
right,  left,  front,  or  rear,  without,  or  witli  the  cap 
in  the  other  hand ;  without,  or  with  a  kerchief  at- 
tached to  the  point  of  the  sword. 

Officers,  and,  in  cases  of  need,  sergeants,  will 
cause  each  command  to  be  executed  as  soon  as  it 
shall  be  heard  or  seen ;  but  when  announced  by- 
means  of  the  bugle  or  drum,  to  avoid  mistake,  they 
will  wait  till  the  signal  is  ended,  and  then  com- 
mence the  movement. 

^  This  instruction  will  be  divided  into  four  articles, 
and  subdivided  as  follows  : 

Article  1. 
1st.  To  deploy,  forward. 
2d.    To  deploy,  by  the  flank. 
3d.    To  extend  intervals. 
4th.  To  close  intervals. 
5th.  To  relieve  skirmishers. 

Article  2. 
1st.  To  advajice  in  line. 
2d.    To  retreat  in  Hne. 
3d.    To  march  by  the  flank. 

Article  3. 
Ist.  To  fire,  at  a  halt. 
2d.    To  fire  marching. 

Article  4. 
1st  To  rally. 
2d.    The  assembly. 

In  the  above  four  articles  it  is  supposed  that  the 


THE    RECRUIT.  117 

movements  are  executed  by  a  company,  deployed 
as  skirmishers,  on  a  front  equal  to  that  of  a  batta- 
lion in  the  order  in  battle. 


DEPLOYMENTS. 

A  company  may  be  deployed,  as  skirmishers,  in 
two  ways  :  forward  and  by  the  flank. 

The  deployment  forward,  will  be  adopted  when 
the  company  is  behind  the  line  on  which  it  is  to  be 
established  as  skirmishers ;  it  will  deploy  by  the 
flank,  when  it  finds  itself  already  on  that  line. 

If  the  company  be  in  two  ranks  only,  it  will  be 
divided  into  three  platoons  ;  the  right  and  left,  de- 
nominated, respectively,  ^rsi  and  second  platoons, 
will  form  the  line  of  skirmishers ;  the  centre  pla- 
toon the  reserve. 

A  company  may  be  deployed,  as  skirmishers,  on 
its  left,  on  its  right,  or  on  its  centre  files ;  in  this 
manner  the  skirmishers  may  be  thrown  out  upon 
the  line  that  they  are  to  occupy  with  the  greatest 
promptitude. 

A  line  of  skirmishers  ought,  as  far  as  possible, 
to  be  aligned  ;  but  to  obtain  this  regularity,  advan- 
tages which  the  ground  may  present  for  covering 
the  men,  ought  not  to  be  neglected. 

The  intervals  between  files  of  skirmishers  de- 
pend on  the  extent  of  ground  to  be  covered ;  but 
the  fire  will  be  too  much  scattered  if  the  intervals 
exceed  ten,  or,  at  most,  fifteen  paces. 

The  front  to  be  occupied  to  cover  a  battalion, 
comprehends  the  front  of  the  battalion,  and  half  of 
each  interval  on  the  right  and  left  of  the  battalion. 


118  THE    RECRUIT. 

7.   To  Deploy  Forward, 

.  The  company  being  at  a  halt,  to  deploy  it  for- 
ward on  the  left  file,  the  captain,  previously  to 
giving  the  order,  indicates  to  the  left  guide  the 

Soint  tovi^ards  which  he  will  direct  himself,  and 
aving  cautioned  the  centre  platoon  that  it  will 
form  the  reserve,  he  will  command  : 

1.  Deploy  as   Skirmishers.     2.   On  the  Left  File, 

at  ten  (or )  paces,  take  intervals.     3.   Quick 

(or  double  quick) — March. 

At  the  first  command,  the  first  and  second  lieu- 
tenants will  throw  themselves  respectively  on  the 
right  and  left  flanks  of  the  company ;  the  third 
sergeant  will  place  himself  two  paces  in  front  of 
the  centre  of  the  company,  to  move  forward  on  a 
line  with  the  skirmishers  between  the  platoons; 
the  third  lieutenant  takes  command  of  the  centre 
platoon,  two  paces  behind  the  centre  of  the  file- 
closers,  and  cautions  it  to  stand  fast. 

At  the  command  march,  the  first  and  second 
platoons  will  put  themselves  in  movement ;  the  left 
file,  conducted  by  the  left  guide,  will  direct  its 
march  towards  the  indicated  point ;  the  other  files, 
throwing  forward  the  left  shoulder,  will  advance 
in  double-quick  time,  or  in  a  run  (according  as  the 
order  may  have  indicated  quick  or  double-quick 
march),  diagonally  to  the  front  and  the  right,  in 
order  to  gain  to  the  right  the  space  of  ten  paces, 
which  ought  to  separate  each  file  from  that  next 
on  its  left ;  when  the  second  file,  counting  from 
the  left,  shall  arrive  abreast  with  the  first,  it  will 


THE    RECRUIT.  119 

conform  itseli  to  the  direction  of  the  latter,  take 
the  quick  step,  hold  itself  steadily  at  ten  paces 
from  the  first,  and  on  the  same  alignment ;  the 
third  file,  and  all  the  others  towards  the  right,  as 
they  successively  arrive  on  the  alignment,  will 
conform  themselves  to  what  has  just  been  pre- 
scribed for  the  second  ;  the  right  guide  will  arrive 
with  the  right  file.  The  first  and  second  lieuten- 
ants, at  the  commencement,  will  throw  themselves 
behind  the  centres  of  the  right  and  left  platoons 
respectively,  and  direct  their  movements. 

The  left  guide,  having  arrived  at  the  point  where 
the  left  of  the  line  is  to  rest,  the  captain  will  halt 
the  skirmishers ;  each  rear-rank  man  will  imme- 
diately place  himself  two  paces  on  the  left  of  his 
file-leader  ;  the  files  which  may  not  be  in  line  will 
promptly  come  into  it,  taking  the  prescribed  inter- 
vals, and  aligning  themselves  by  the  left. 

The  line  being  formed,  the  first  and  second  ser- 
geants will  throw  themselves  ten  paces  behind  the 
first  two  files  of  the  right  and  left  respectively, 
and  the  third  sergeant  at  a  like  distance  behind 
the  centre  of  the  line. 

The  first  and  second  lieutenants  will  promptly 
rectify  any  irregularity  that  may  have  been  com- 
mitted in  taking  intervals ;  they  will  then  throw 
themselves  twenty  or  thirty  paces  behind  the  cen- 
tres of  their  respective  platoons.  Each  of  these 
officers  will  have  with  him  two  men  taken  from 
his  platoon  before  the  commencement  of  the  move- 
ment. 

The  fourth  and  fifth  sergeants,  and  the  second 
bugler,  or  drummer,  will  remain  with  the  reser\'e ; 


120  THE    RECKUIT. 

the  fourth  sergeant  will  be  posted  on  its  left  flank ; 
and  the  lifth  sergeant  as  file-closer. 

These  dispositions  being  made,  the  third  lieute- 
nant will  march  the  reserve,  by  the  shortest  line, 
to  about  one  hundred  and  forty  paces  behind  tlie 
centre  of  the  line  of  skirmishers,  halt,  face  it  to  the 
front,  and  maintain  it  steadily  at  that  distance  ;  the 
reserve  will  conform  itself  to  all  the  movements  of 
the  line. 

The  captain  will  give  a  general  superintendence 
to  the  whole  deployment,  and  then  throw  himself 
to  the  distance  of  about  seventy  paces  from  the 
rear  of  the  line ;  he  will  take  with  him  the  first 
bugler,  or  drummer,  and  two  or  three  men  from 
the  reserve. 

The  deployment  may  be  made  on  the  right,  or 
centre  of  the  company,  according  to  the  same 
principles  and  by  the  same  commands,  substituting 
the  indication  right  file,  or  centre  file,,  for  that  of 
left  file ;  if  on  the  centre  file,  the  right  file  of  the 
second  platoon  will  close  upon  the  third  sergeant 
in  marching.  All  the  other  files  to  the  right  and 
left,  will  take  their  intervals  from  the  centre. 

On  whatever  file,  the  right,  left,  or  centre,  the 
deployment  may  be  made,  the  rear-rank  men  place 
themselves  to  the  left  of  their  respective  file-leaders 
at  the  moment  of  forming  the  line. 

2.   To  Deploy  by  the,  Flank. 

The  company  being  at  a  halt,  to  cause  it  to  de- 
ploy by  the  flank  on  the  left  file,  the  captain  will 
mdicate  to  the  right  guide  the  point  on  which  to 
direct  himself,  aiKl  command : 


THE   RECRUIT.  121 

1.  Deploy  as  Skirmisliers.     2.  By  the  right  Jlankf 

at  ten  (or )  paces ,  take  intervals.     3.  Quick 

(or  double-quick) — March. 

At  the  first  command,  the  first  and  second  lieu- 
tenants, as  also  the  third  sergeant,  will  conform 
themselves  to  what  is  prescribed  in  the  preceding 
case  ;  the  third  lieutenant,  placing  himself  in  rear 
of  the  centre  platoon,  will  take  command  of  it. 

At  the  second  command,  the  first  and  third  pla- 
toons will  face  to  the  right ;  the  left  file  will  stand 
fast;  the  first  and  second  lieutenants  will  each 
place  himself  by  the  left  file  of  his  platoon ;  the 
right  guide  will  place  himself  on  the  left  of  the 
right  file,  to  conduct  it ;  the  third  lieutenant  will 
cause  the  centre  platoon  to  face  about,  and  instantly 
march  it  upon  the  point  which  it  ought  to  occupy 
as  the  reserve ;  the  moment  it  arrives  at  that  point 
he  will  halt  and  face  it  to  the  skirmishers. 

At  the  command  march,  which  will  be  given  the 
instant  the  centre  platoon  shall  have  cleared  the 
line  of  the  company,  the  first  platoon  will  stand 
fast  until  joined  by  the  second,  when  the  lieutenant 
of  the  first  will  command:  1.  (Such)  Platoon, 
Fonvard.  2.  Quick  (or  double-quick) — March. 
In  the  mean  time  the  second  platoon  commences 
the  movement;  the  left  file  will  stand  fast;  the 
next  file  will  halt  at  the  distance  of  ten  paces  from 
the  first,  the  third  at  the  same  distance  from  the 
second,  and  so  on  to  the  right  file  of  the  first  pla- 
toon. As  each  file  halts  in  succession,  it  will  face 
to  the  enemy,  and  each  rear-rank  man  will  place 
himself  at  two  paces  on  the  left  of  his  file-leader. 

The  first  and  second  lieutenants  following  the 


122  THE    RECRUIT. 

movement  from  left  to  right,  will,  each  in  his  pla- 
toon, observe  the  successive  halts  and  placings  of 
the  files,  and  promptly  rectify  any  error  that  may 
be  committed.  The  deployment  ended,  the  two 
lieutenants  will  throw  themselves  to  the  rear,  and 
conform  to  what  is  prescribed  in  deploying  for- 
ward. 

The  captain  will  conform  himself  to  what  is 
prescribed  in  deploying  forward. 

The  deployment  on  the  right  file  of  the  company 
will  be  executed  on  the  same  principles,  substitut- 
ing, in  the  second  command,  left,  for  right  flank. 

To  deploy  the  company  by  the  flanks  on  the 
centre  or  other  interior  file  (that  is,  by  both  flanks 
at  once),  the  captain  will  indicate  to  the  two  guides 
the  direction  in  which  each  ought  to  march ;  the 
third  lieutenant  will  cause  the  centre  platoon  to 
face  about  and  march  towards  its  position  as  the 
reserve. 

The  captain  will  then  close  the  interval  between 
the  remaining  platoons,  and  command  : 

1.  Deploy  as  Skirmishers.     2.  By  the  RiglU  and 

Left  Flanks,  on  the  Centre,  at  ten   (or  ) 

paces,  take  intervals.     3.   Quick  (or  double-quick) 
— March. 

The  right  file  of  the  second  platoon  will  stand 
fast ;  the  first  platoon  will  face  to  the  right,  and 
ihe  second  to  the  left ;  the  right  guide  will  place 
himself  by  the  side  of  the  right  file  to  conduct  it, 
the  left  guide  by  the  side  of  the  left  file  for  a  like 
purpose. 

At  the  command  march,  the  two  platoons  will 


THE    RECRinT.  123 

march  in  opposite  directions ;  the  file  next  on  the 
right,  and  the  file  next  on  the  left  of  the  centre,  or 
directing  file,  will  each  halt  at  ten  paces  from  this 
file,  and  all  the  other  files  will  halt,  each  at  the 
same  distance,  counting  from  the  file  next  in  its 
rear. 

The  officers  will  conform  themselves  to  what  is 
prescribed  in  the  preceding  cases. 

The  captain  may  designate,  as  the  directing  file, 
any  interior  file  other  than  that  on  the  right  of  the 
second  platoon ;  in  which  case,  the  third  sergeant 
will  place  himself  on  the  right  of  the  designated 
file,  and  the  deployment  will  be  executed  according 
to  the  principles  which  have  been  jusc  prescribed. 


3.   To  Extend  Intervals, 

The  line  of  skirmishers  being  at  a  halt,  to  cause 
it  to  extend  to  the  left ;  the  captain  will  command : 

1.  By  the  Left  Flank,  five  (or )  paces,  extend 

intervals,     2,  Quick  (or  double-quick) — March. 

The  number  of  paces  designated  will  be  under- 
stood as  so  many  paces  in  addition  to  the  then 
intervals.  The  right  file  will  stand  fast ;  all  the 
others  will  face  to  the  left,  and  extend  the  pre- 
scribed number  of  paces  by  the  means  indicated  in 
the  deployment  by  a  flank. 

If  the  line  be  in  march  by  the  front,  to  cause  it 
to  extend  to  the  right,  the  captain  will  command : 


124  THE    RECRUIT. 

1.  On  the  Left  File,  jive  (or )  paces,  extend 

intervals.     2.  Quick  (or  double-quick) — March. 

The  left  file  will  continue  to  march  on  the  point 
of  direction :  all  the  other  files  will  extend  by  the 
means  indicated  in  the  deployment  forward. 

Intervals  may  be  extended  on  the  centre,  accord- 
ing to  the  same  principles. 

If,  in  extending  intervals,  the  object  be  to  make 
one  company  occupy  a  line  as  skirmishers,  which 
had  been  occupied  by  two,  the  files  of  the  retiring 
company  will  throw  themselves  successively  to  the 
rear,  and  form  company  in  close  order,  in  proportion 
as  they  shall  be  replaced  on  the  line. 

4.   To  Close  Intervals. 

This  movement,  like  that  of  extending  intervals, 
will  be  executed  according  to  the  principles  pre- 
scribed for  deployments.  The  number  of  paces 
indicated  in  the  first  command,  throughout,  will 
denote  so  many  paces  less  than  the  then  intervals. 

If  the  line  of  skirmishers  be  at  a  halt,  to  close 
on  the  left,  the  captain  will  command : 

1.  By  the  Left  Flank,  five  (or )  faces,  close 

intervals.     2.  Quick  (or  double-quick) — March. 

The  left  file  will  stand  fast ;  the  other  files  will 
face  to  the  left,  close  on  the  directing  file  the  num- 
ber of  paces  prescribed,  and  face  to  the  right  as 
each  halts. 

If  the  line  be  in  march  by  the  front,  the  captain 
will  command : 


THE    RECRUIT.  12fi 

1.  On  the  Left  File,  Jive  (or  )  paces,  close 

intervals.     2.   Quick  (or  douhle-quick) — March. 

The  left  file  will  continue  to  march  on  the  point 
of  direction  previously  indicated;  the  other  files 
will  each  throw  forward  the  right  shoulder,  assume 
the  double-quick  step  or  run  (according  as  the 
command  may  have  been  quick  or  double-quick 
march),  and  incline  to  the  left  till  its  interval  be 
reduced  the  prescribed  number  of  paces. 

Intervals  will  be  closed  on  the  right  or  centre 
file,  according  to  the  same  principles. 

When  intervals  are  reduced,  in  order  to  receive 
a  reinforcement  of  skirmishers,  that  is,  for  example, 
to  cover  the  same  extent  of  ground  with  two  com- 
panies, which  had  been  covered  by  one,  the  new 
company  will  be  so  deployed  as  to  finish  the  move- 
ment at  about  twenty  paces  behind  the  line  which 
it  will  have  to  occupy,  and  its  files  will  succes- 
sively throw  themselves  on  that  line  in  proportion 
as  they  shall  be  unmasked  by  the  files  of  the  old 
company.  The  reserves  of  the  two  companies  will 
unite  behind  the  centre  of  the  line. 

6tli.   To   Relieve  a  Company  Deployed  as   Skir- 
mishers. 

When  a  company,  so  deployed,  is  to  be  relieved, 
the  captain  will  be  advised  of  the  intention,  and 
he  will  communicate  it  to  the  first  and  second  lieu- 
tenants. 

The  new  company  will  execute  its  deployment 
forward,  so  as  to  finish  the  movement  at  about 
twenty  paces  in  rear  of  the  line. 


126  THE   KECRUIT. 

Arrived  at  this  distance,  the  files  of  the  new 
company,  by  command  of  their  captain,  will  throw 
themselves  a  few  paces  beyond  the  old  line,  and 
halt ;  the  new  line  being  established,  the  old  com- 
pany will  assemble  (form)  on  its  reserve. 

If  the  skirmishers  to  be  relieved  are  marching 
in  retreat,  the  company  thrown  out  to  relieve  them 
will  deploy  by  the  flank  as  prescribed  above,  in 
deployment  by  the  flank.  The  old  skirmishers 
will  continue  to  retire  with  order,  and,  after  hav- 
ing passed  the  new  line,  they  will  form  on  their 


OF   THE    MARCH. 

To  March  in  Advance  and  in  Retreat. 

When  a  company,  deployed  as  skirmishers, 
marches  by  the  front  (in  line),  the  guide  will  be 
habitually  in  the  centre ;  no  particular  indication 
to  this  effect  need  be  given  in  the  commands ;  but 
if  it  be  intended  that  the  directing  guide  should  be 
on  the  right  or  left,  the  command  march  will  be 
preceded  by  that  of  guide  left  or  guide  right. 

To  cause  the  line  of  skirmishers  to  advance,  the 
captain  will  command : 

1.   Skirmishers,  Forward.     2.   Quu:k  (or    double 
quick) — March. 

These  commands  will  be  repeated  with  the 
greatest  rapidity  by  the  first  and  second  lieuten- 
ants, and,  in  case  of  need,  by  the  sergeants.     This 


THE    RECRUIT.  127 

rule  is  general^  whether  the  skirmishers  march  by 
the  front  or  by  the  flank. 

At  the  first  command,  the  three  sergeants  will 
throw  themselves  on  the  line,  the  fir-st  on  the  right, 
the  second  on  the  left,  and  the  third  in  the  centre. 

The  third  lieutenant  will  command :  1 .  Platoon, 
Forward;  2.  Guide  Left. 

At  the  command  march.,  the  line  and  the  reseiTe 
will  step  off;  the  guide  charged  with  the  direction 
will  march  on  the  point  indicated  to  him ;  the  skir- 
mishers will  hold  themselves  aligned  on  this  guide, 
and  preserve  their  intervals  towards  him. 

The  first  and  second  lieutenants  will  each  di- 
rect the  movement  of  his  platoon,  holding  himself 
habitually  behind  its  centre. 

The  captain  will  give  a  general  superintendence 
to  the  movement. 

To  halt  the  skirmishers,  the  captain  will  com- 
mand : 

1.  Skirmishers.     2.  IIalt. 

At  the  second  command,  the  line  and  the  reserve 
will  halt ;  the  first  and  second  lieutenants  will,  if 
necessary,  promptly  rectify  the  alignment  and  in- 
tervals, and  then  take  their  places  in  line  of  battlcj 
as  will,  also,  the  three  sergeants. 

To  march  the  skirmishers  in  retreat,  the  captain 
will  command : 

I.  Skirmishers,  in  Retreat      2.  Quick  (or    double 
quick) — ^March. 

At  the  first  command,  the  reserve  and  the  skir- 


128  THE   RECRUIT. 

mishers  will  face  about ;  the  skirmishers  individ- 
ually, the  reserve  by  the  command  of  the  third 
lieutenant,  and  the  three  sergeants  will  throw 
themselves  on  the  line. as  prescribed  in  marching 
in  advance. 

At  the  command  marc\  the  skirmishers  and 
the  reserve  will  step  off  in  conformity  with  what 
is  prescribed  in  the  march  in  advance  ;  the  officers 
and  sergeants  will  give  their  utmost  attention  to 
the  maintenance  of  order. 

The  third  lieutenant,  placed  behind  the  front  rank 
(become  rear)  of  the  reserve,  will  carefully  main- 
tain this  platoon  nearly  opposite  to  the  centre  of 
the  line,  and  at  the  prescribed  distance. 

To  halt  the  skirmishers,  marching  in  retreat,  the 
captain  will  command : 

1.  Skirmishers.     2.  Halt. 

At  the  second  command,  the  skirmishers  and 
reserve  will  halt,  and  face  about  to  the  front,  the 
skirmishers,  individually,  the  reserve,  by  command 
of  the  third  lieutenant. 

The  first  and  second  lieutenants,  and  the  first 
three  sergeants,  will  each  conform  himself  to  what 
is  prescribed  for  him  in  the  march  in  advance. 

To  March  by  the  Flaiik. 

To  cause  the  skirmishers  to  march  by  the  flank, 
the  captain  will  command : 

1.  Skirmishers,  hy  the  Right  Flank.     2.  Quick  (or 
double    quick) — ^March. 

At  the  first  command,  the  skirmishers  will  face 


THE    RECRUIT.  129 

to  the  right ;  the  right  guide  will  throw  himself  tc 
the  side  of  the  leading  man,  to  conduct  him ;  the 
reserve  will  also  face  to  the  right  by  the  command 
of  the  third  lieutenant. 

At  the  command  march,  the  skirmishers  and  the 
reserve  will  put  themselves  in  march ;  the  right 
guide  will  direct  himself  on  the  point  which  will 
have  been  indicated  to  him ;  each  skirmisher  will 
take  care  to  follow  in  the  trace  of  the  one  imnve- 
diatel}^  preceding,  and  to  preserve,  exactly,  his  dis- 
tance. 

The  lino  of  skirmishers  will  march  by  the  left 
flank  according  to  the  same  principles  and  by  the 
same  commands,  substituting  the  indication  left  for 
that  of  right  in  the  first  command  ;  the  left  guide 
will  throw  himself  to  the  side  of  the  leading  man, 
to  conduct  him. 

The  skirmishers  marching  by  the  flank,  to  cause 
them  to  halt,  the  captain  will  command : 

1.  Skirmishers.     2.  Halt. 

At  the  second  command,  the  skirmishers  and  tlie 
reserve  will  halt  and  face  to  the  enemy. 

The  ofiicers  and  sergeants  will  conform  them- 
selves to  what  is  prescribed  at  the  command  halt, 
marching  in  advance. 

OF    THE    FIRES, 

Skirmishers  will  fire  at  a  halt,  and  in  marching  ; 
in  both  cases  they  will  observe  the  method  about 
to  be  indicated. 

The  fire  will  be  given  alternately  by  the  two  men 
9 


130  THE   RECRUIT. 

of  the  same  file,  who  will  so  arrange  it  between 
them,  that  the  one  or  other  shall  always  have  his 
piece  loaded  ;  to  this  end,  the  front-rank  man  will 
fire  and  reload ;  the  rear-rank  man  will  withhold 
his  fire  until  the  first  shall  have  rammed  ;  the 
second,  in  his  turn,  will  wait  in  like  manner  for 
the  first,  and  so  on  in  continuation. 

1st.  To  Fire  at  a  Halt. 

To  cause  this  fire  to  be  executed,  the  captain 
will  command : 

Commence  Firing. 

This  will  be  executed  according  to  the  rules  just 
prescribed ;  the  men  will  not  remain  in  the  same 
place  whilst  reloading,  unless  covered  by  some 
chance  object  on  the  ground. 

2d.  To  Fire,  Marching. 

This  fire,  like  that  of  a  halt,  will  be  executed 
by  the  command  :  commence  firing. 

At  this,  if  the  line  be  advancing,  the  front-rank 
man  of  every  file  will  halt,  fire,  and  reload,  before 
throwing  himself  forward ;  the  rear-rank  man,  of 
the  same  file,  will  continue  to  march  eight  or  ten 
paces  beyond  the  first,  halt,  fire,  and  reload,  in  the 
manner  prescribed  above;  the  front-rank  man, 
liaving  reloaded,  will  throw  himself  forward  a  like 
distance  beyond  his  rear-rank  man,  and  fire  again, 
conforming  himself  to  what  has  just  been  pre* 
Bcribe<l,  and  so  on  in  continuation. 


THE    llErRUIT.  131 

If  the  line  be  marcliing  in  retreat,  the  front-rank 
man  of  every  file  will  halt,  face  about,  fire,  and 
then  reload  whilst  throwing  himself  to  the  rear: 
the  rear-rank  man,  of  the  same  file,  will  continue 
to  march,  halt  at  eight  or  ten  paces  beyond  the 
front-rank  man,  face  about,  fire,  and  then  observe 
what  is  just  prescribed  for  his  front-rank  man  : 
the  latter  will,  when  at  the  same  distance  in  rear 
of  his  rear-rank  man,  halt  again,  face  about,  finish 
loading,  fire,  and  then  do  as  he  had  done  before, 
and  thus  the  alternate  fire  by  the  men  of  the  same 
file  will  be  continued. 

If  the  company  be  in  march  by  the  right  flank, 
the  front-rank  man  of  every  file  will  face  to  the 
enemy,  step  one  pace  forward,  halt,  fire,  and  throw 
himself  behind  his  rear-rank  man,  who  had  been 
next  behind  him,  reloading  as  he  marches :  as 
soon  as  this  second  man,  who  has  continued  to 
march,  shall  judge  that  the  first  has  rammed,  he 
will,  in  his  turn,  face  to  the  enemy,  step  one  pace 
forward,  halt,  fire,  and  throw  himself  behind  his 
front-rank  man,  reloading  as  he  marches,  and  thus 
the  fire  will  be  continued. 

If  the  company  be  in  march  by  the  left  flank, 
the  fire  will  be  executed  in  the  same  manner ;  but 
it  will  be  the  rear-rank  man  (the  leader)  who  will 
file  first. 

In  executing  this  fire,  the  files  will  carefully 
avoid  mingling  with  each  other  ;  consequently,  the 
man  who  has  continued  to  march,  will  never  pass 
a  man,  of  another  file,  who  is  at  a  halt  for  the  pur- 
pose of  firing. 

Skirmishers  will  be  habituated  to  load  their 
pieces  whilst  marching  ;  but  they  will  be  enjoined 


132  THE    RECRUIT. 

always  to  halt  an  instant  when  in  the  act  of  prim- 
ing, and  of  charging  cartridge. 

They  will  also  be  exercised  in  loading  and  firing, 
kneeling  and  lying,  in  the  manner  prescribed  in 
the  light-infantry  exercise. 

Skirmishers  will  be  taught  to  take  advantage  of 
any  chance  object  the  ground  may  present,  to  cover 
themselves  from  the  enemy's  fire,  and  also  to  judge 
distances  with  accuracy,  in  order  to  fire  with  eflTect. 

In  commencing  the  fire,  officers  will  see  that  all 
the  files  do  not  fire  at  once,  but  follow  out  the  prin- 
ciple established  (in  succession).  Officers  will 
also  see  that  the  men  of  the  same  file  observe  the 
prescribed  alternation. 

Marching  in  retreat,  the  commander  of  skirmish- 
ers will  take  advantage  of  any  chance  object  the 
ground  may  present,  to  arrest  the  march  of  the 
enemy  as  long  as  possible. 

The  fire  of  skirmishers  will  be  stopped  by  the 
sound  or  beat  indicated  for  that  purpose ;  at  this 
signal,  the  men  will  cease  firing,  and  those  who 
have  not  reloaded,  will  load.  If  the  line  be  in 
march,  it  will  continue  the  movement ;  and  of  the 
two  men  of  the  same  file,  the  one  in  front  will 
wait  till  the  other  shall  be  abreast  with  him. 

Rallying  and  Assembling. 

A  company,  deployed  as  skirmishers,  rallies  to 
resist  cavalry ;  it  assemhleSy  under  other  circum- 
stances. 

1st.   To  Rally, 

To  rally  the  skirmishers  on  the  reserve,  the 
captain  will  command : 


THE    RECRUIT.  133 

Rally  on  the  Reserve, 

This  being  given,  the  captain  will  throw  himself 
on  the  reserve  ;  the  third  lieutenant  will  begin  the 
formation  of  the  circle,  by  throwing  back  a  little 
tlie  two  flanks  of  the  reserve. 

The  skirmishers  running  in,  will  form  themselves 
as  they  successively  join  the  reserve,  on  its  right 
and  letl,  in  two  ranks,  without  regard  to  height, 
face  outwards,  and  complete  the  circle. 

The  officers  and  sergeants  will  direct  the  execu- 
tion of  the  movement,  and  then  place  themselves 
within  the  circle. 

These  dispositions  being  made,  the  captain  will 
profit  by  any  interval  of  time  the  cavalry  may  allow 
him  for  putting  himself  in  safety  against  its  attacks, 
either  by  rejoining  his  battalion,  or  by  gaining  some 
advantageous  position :  to  this  end,  he  will  reduce 
the  circle,  and  re-form  the  company  into  column 
by  platoon,  and  in  two  platoons  ;  he  will  march  in 
this  order,  by  the  front  or  rear  rank ;  and  if  threat- 
ened anew  by  the  cavalry,  lie  will  halt  and  again 
form  circle,  by  throwing  back  the  right  and  left 
files  of  the  two  platoons  :  the  second  platoon,  if  not 
already  faced  by  the  rear  rank,  will  first  be  so 
faced,  and  the  other  platoon  by  the  front  rank. 

The  company  being  formed  into  circle,  to  deploy 
it  as  skirmishers,  the  captain  will  command  : 

Reduce — Circle. 

At  this  command,  the  officers  and  sergeants  will 
pass  out ;  the  third  lieutenant  will  align  the  reserve 
on  its  centre  ;  the  first  and  second  lieutenants  will 


134  THE    RECRUIT. 

ro-form  their  platoons  on  the  right  and  left  of  the 
reserve  ;  which  being  executed,  the  company  will 
be  deployed  by  one  ot  the  means  already  indicated. 

If  the  suddenness  of  the  danger  leave  not  time 
to  rally  the  skirmishers  on  the  reserve,  the  rally 
will  be  made  by  platoon ;  the  first  and  second  lieu- 
tenants will  each  rally  his  platoon  on  the  ground 
the  most  advantageous  behind  the  line  of  skir- 
mishers. 

Pending  this  movement,  the  captain  will  throw 
himself  on  the  reserve,  and  so  dispose  it  as  to 
protect  the  rallying  of  the  platoons  and  to  resist 
the  cavalry. 

The  platoons  being  rallied,  they  will  promptly 
rejoin  the  reserve. 

2.   To  Rally  on  the  Battalion. 

The  company  being  deployed  as  skirmishers, 
when  the  captain  shall  find  it  necessary  to  rally  on 
the  battalion,  he  will  command : 

Rally  on  the  Battalion. 

At  this,  the  skirmishers  of  each  platoon  and  the 
reserve  will  unmask  the  front  of  the  battalion, 
directing  themselves,  in  a  run,  towards  its  nearest 
flank,  and  then  form  in  its  rear. 

The  company  being  formed,  it  will  place  itself 
for  the  time,  whatever  be  its  designation  or  num- 
ber, on  the  left  or  right  of  the  battalion,  according 
as  it  may  belong  to  the  left  or  right  wing,  and  if 
not  a  flank  company,  it  will  not  resume  its  proper 
place  in  line  of  battle,  except  by  order  of  tlie 
oolouel. 


THE    RECRUIT.  135 

3.   To  Assemble  on  the  Reserve. 

To  assemble  a  company,  deployed  as  skirmishers, 
the  captain  will  command  : 

Assemble  on  the  Reserve, 

At  this,  the  reserve  will  be  formed  in  the  precise 
order  in  which  it  stood  before  the  deployment ;  the 
skirmishers  will  assemble  upon  it,  and  each  resume 
his  place  in  his  previous  rank  and  file.  The  com- 
pany being  re-formed,  will  rejoin  the  battalion. 

Two  companies  deployed  as  skirmishers,  their 
reserves  will  unite,  and  the  skirmishers  will  rally 
in  square  on  their  reserve  ;  the  reserve  will  form 
the  first  front  of  the  square  ;  the  skirmishers,  who 
rally  first,  will  form  the  lateral  fronts,  and  the  other 
files  the  fourth  front. 


STREET  FIRING. 


Street  firing  is  the  method  of  firing  adapted  to 
defend  or  clear  a  street,  lane,  or  narrow  pass,  in 
the  execution  of  which  the  company  or  platoon 
must  be  formed  according  to  the  width  of  the  place, 
leaving  sufficient  space  on  the  flanks  for  the  pla- 
toons to  file  successively  to  the  rear. 

When  the  column  has  arrived  at  the  place  where 
the  firing  is  to  commence,  the  commanding  oflficer 
will  command, — Column,  Halt — Prepare  for  Street- 
Firing.  At  this  command,  all  the  captains  will 
pass  by  the  right  flank  to  the  rear  of  their  compa- 
nies, covering  the  centre.  The  colonel  next  com- 
mands— Commence  Firing.  The  captoin  of  the 
first  company  will  promptly  command — First  Com- 
pany— Ready — Aim — Fire — Recover  Arms — Out- 
ward Face — Quick  March. 

The  first  platoon  faces  to  the  right,  the  second 
to  the  left;  the  first  platoon  conducted  by  the, cap- 
tain, the  second  by  the  first  lieutenant,  will  file 
right  and  left  around  the  flanks  towards  the  rear, 
halt  on  the  flanks  opposite  the  centre  of  the  col- 
umn, re-load,  and  as  soon  as  the  rear  of  the  column 
has  passed  the  platoons,  the  captain  will  command, 
— Platoons — Right  and  Left  Face — Marcli.  At 
which  command,  the  first  platoon  faces  to  the  left, 
and  files  left,  the  second  to  the  right,  and  files  right, 


THE    RECKUIT.  137 

and  unite  in  rear  of  the  column.  At  the  instant 
the  men  of  the  first  company  recover  their  arms 
after  firing-,  the  captain  of  the  second  will  order 
such  company — Ready — and  wait  in  that  position 
until  the  front  is  cleared  by  the  first  company,  when 
the  captain  will  cause  it  to  advance  twice  its  front, 
(followed  by  all  the  companies  in  rear,)  and  fire ; 
file  down  the  flanks  in  the  same  order  as  prescribed 
for  the  first  company. 

Firing  in  Retreat  is  conducted  on  the  same  prin- 
ciples as  on  the  advance,  except  that  the  companies 
fire  without  advancing,  on  the  front  being  cleared 
by  the  former  company ;  and  instead  of  halting  on 
the  flanks,  the  platoons  will  pass  immediately  to 
the  rear  of  the  column,  form  and  re-load.  The 
eame  principle  will  be  observed  in  column  of  pla- 
toons as  in  column  of  company. 

If  a  column  by  company  find  itself  in  a  narrow 
street  or  pass,  or  in  any  position  without  cover  for 
either  flank  or  rear,  and  is  suddenly  menaced  at 
different  points,  the  colonel  will  cause  it  to  form 
square,  notwithstanding  the  general  principle,  that 
a  column  by  company  with  a  view  to  the  square, 
will  first  form  divisions ;  the  colonel  will  close  the 
column  to  half,  or  platoon  distance ;  the  file  closers 
of  the  last  company  will  throw  themselves  two 
paces  before  the  front  rank,  and  face  towards  the 
head  of  the  column. 

These  dispositions  being  made,  the  colonel  will 
command —  Right  and  left,  into  line,  wheel,  quick 
— march !  At  this  briskly  repeated,  the  leading  com- 
pany will  stand  fiist,  the  second,  third,  fourth,  fifth, 
sixth,  and  seventh  and  eighth  companies  will  wheel 


138  THE    RECRUIT, 

by  platoons,  right  and  left,  into  line,  the  right  pla- 
toons to  the  right,  and  the  left  to  the  left ;  the  last 
company  will  close  up  to  form  the  square,  and 
when  it  shall  have  closed,  its  chief  will  halt  it,  face 
it  about,  and  align  it  by  the  rear  rank;  the  right 
tile  of  tlie  first  company  will  face  to  the  right,  and 
its  left  file  to  the  left,  and  the  outer  files  on  each 
flank  of  the  last  company  will  face  outward.  The 
square  being  formed,  the  colonel  will  command, 
"  Guides  Posts ;"  at  this,  the  field  and  staff,  and  cap- 
tains of  the  first  and  last  companies  will  enter  the 
square. 


DUTIES  IN  GARRISON  AND  CAMP. 


The  Reveille  is  to  sound  or  beat  at  day-break, 
and  is  the  signal  for  the  men  to  rise,  and  the  sen- 
tinels to  leave  off  challenging. 

The  Troop  is  to  sound  or  beat  at  —  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  for  the  purpose  of  assembling  the 
men  for  duty  and  inspection  at  guard-mounting. 

The  Retreat  is  to  sound  or  beat  at  sunset,  for 
the  purpose  of  warning  the  officers  and  men  for 
duty,  and  reading  the  orders  of  the  day. 

The  Tattoo  is  to  beat  at  —  o'clock  in  the  evening, 
after  which  no  soldier  is  to  be  out  of  his  tent  or 
quarters. 

Peas-upon-a-Trencher,  the  signal  for  breakfast, 
is  to  sound  or  beat  at  —  o'clock  in  the  morning. 

Roast-Beef,  the  signal  for  dinner,  is  to  sound  or 
beat  at  —  o'clock ;  at  other  times,  it  is  the  signal 
to  draw  provisions. 

The  Surgeon's  Call  is  to  sound  or  beat  at  — 
o'clock,  when  the  sick,  able  to  go  out,  will  be  con- 
ducted to  the  hospital  by  the  first  sergeant,  who 
will  hand  to  the  surgeon  a  report  of  all  the  sick  in 
the  company,  other  than  those  in  hospital. 

The  General  is  to  beat  only  when  the  whole  is 
to  march,  and  is  the  signal  to  strike  the  tents,  and 
prepare  for  the  march. 


140  THE  EECKUIT. 

The  Assembly  is  the  signal  to  form  by  company. 

The  March,  for  the  whole  to  move. 

The  Long-Roll  is  the  signal  for  getting  under 
arms,  in  case  of  alarm,  or  the  sudden  approach  of 
the  enemy. 

The  Farley  is  to  desire  a  conference  with  the 
enemy. 

RELIEVING    GUARDS. 

The  guards  in  camp  or  garrison  will  be  relieved 
every  twenty-four  hours.  The  guards  at  the  out- 
posts will  ordinarily  be  relieved  in  the  same  man- 
ner, but  this  must  depend  on  their  distances  from 
camp,  or  other  circumstances,  which  may  some- 
times require  their  continuing  on  duty  several  days. 
In  such  cases,  they  must  be  previously  notified  to 
provide  themselves  accordingly. 

RELIEVING  SENTINELS. 

The  first  relief  having  been  designated,  and  or- 
dered two  paces  to  the  front,  the  Corporal  of  the 
new  guard  will  take  charge  of  it,  and  go  to  relieve 
the  sentinels,  accompanied  by  the  Corporal  of  the 
old  guard,  who  will  take  command  of  the  old  sen- 
tinels, when  the  whole  are  relieved. 

The  relief,  with  arms  at  a  support,  in  two  ranks 
will  march  by  a  flank,  conducted  by  the  Corporal 
on  the  side  of  the  leading  front-rank  man  ;  and  the 
men  will  be  numbered  alternately  in  the  front  and 
rear  rank,  the  man  on  the  right  of  the  front  rank 
being  No.  1.  Should  an  officer  approach,  the  Cor- 
poral will  command,  cai'ry  arms,  and  resume  the 
support  arms  when  the  officer  is  passed. 


THE    RECRUIT.  141 

The  sentinels  at  the  guard-house,  or  guard-tent, 
will  be  the  lirst  relieved,  and  left  behind  ;  the  one 
most  distant  will  be  the  next  relieved,  and  the 
others  in  succession,  as  the  relief  returns  to  the 
guard. 

When  the  sentinel  sees  the  relief  approaching, 
he  will  halt  and  face  to  it,  with  his  piece  at  a 
shoulder.  At  six  paces  the  Corporal  will  command, 
Relief— IIa-lt  ;  when  the  relief  will  halt,  and  carry- 
arms.  The  Corporal  will  then  add,  "  No.  1 ,"  or 
"  No.  2,"  or  "  No.  3,"  according  to  the  number  of 
the  post  and  sentinel.  Arms — Port.  At  this  word, 
the  two  sentinels  will,  with  arms  port,  approach 
each  other,  when  the  old  sentinel,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Corporal,  and  in  his  hearing,  will  whis- 
per the  instructions  to  the  new  sentinel.  This 
done,  the  two  sentinels  will  shoulder  arms,  and  the 
old  sentinel  will  pass  in  quick  time  to  his  place  in 
rear  of  the  relief.  The  Corporal  will  then  com- 
mand :  Relief,  Support — Arms.  Forward — March. 
And  the  relief  proceeds  in  the  same  manner  until 
the  whole  are  relieved. 

A  relief  is  always  to  be  marched  in  the  greatest 
order,  at  support  arms,  and  the  Corporals  will  be 
answerable  that  the  sentinels,  when  relieving,  per- 
form their  motions  with  spirit  and  exactness. 

Sentinels  will  be  relieved  every  two  hours,  un- 
'ess  the  state  of  the  weather,  or  other  causes,  should 
make  it  proper  or  necessary  to  be  done  at  shorter 
or  longer  intervals. 

Orders  or  instructions  to  sentinels  will  be  given 
in  the  most  distinct  manner,  and  they  will  be  held 
strictly  accountable  that  all  rules  or  regulations 
depending  upon  their  vigilance  and  attention  be 


142  THE    RECRUIT. 

piinctually  observed,  or  that  breaches  of  them  be 
immediately  reported. 

Sentinels  will  be  permitted  to  carry  their  arms 
at  support,  or  on  either  shoulder  ;  and  not  near  an 
enemy,  or  when  in  garrison,  may  from  time  to  time 
stand  at  ordered  arms  ;  but  in  such  cases  they  will 
observe  everything  within  their  limits. 

Habitually,  the  sentinel  will  walk  to  and  fro. 

For  a  sentinel  to  quit  his  post  without  leave,  is 
one  of  the  most  serious  military  offences ;  and  it 
is  also  forbidden  to  any  sentinel  to  hold  a  conver- 
sation with  any  person,  when  not  made  necessary 
for  the  proper  discharge  of  his  duty. 

Sentinels  will  not  allow  themselves  to  be  relieved 
except  by  an  officer  or  non-commissioned  officer  of 
their  guard  or  party ;  nor  will  they  receive  orders 
from  any  other  than  such  persons,  or  the  com- 
manding officer,  or  officer  of  the  day,  which  orders 
will  be  immediately  notified  to  the  commander  of 
the  guard,  by  the  officer  giving  them. 

All  persons,  whatever  may  be  their  rank  in  the 
service,  are  required  to  observe  tlie  greatest  re- 
spect towards  sentinels;  and  no  officer  or  other 
persons  shall  make  use  of  any  opprobrious  terms 
towards  a  soldier  on  his  post,  or  attempt  to  mal- 
treat him  in  any  manner,  under  pain  of  being 
punished  for  a  breach  of  discipline. 

Sentinels  will  present  arms  to  general  and  field 
officers,  to  the  officer  of  the  day,  and  to  tlie  com 
manding  officer  of  the  post. 

When  a  sentinel,  being  at  ordered  arms,  sees  an 
officer  approaching,  he  will  stand  at  attention^  and 
IS  the  officer  passes,  will  salute  him  by  bringing 


THE   RECRUIT.  143 

the  left  hand  briskly  to  the  musket,  as  high  as  the 
right  shoulder. 

During  the  day,  the  sentinels  on  the  outposts 
must  stop  every  party  of  men,  whether  armed  or 
not,  until  they  have  been  examined  by  the  officer 
of  the  guard. 

No  sentinel  will  be  posted  so  distant  as  not  to 
be  heard  by  the  guard,  either  directly  or  through 
other  sentinels. 

A  sentinel  must  take  the  greatest  care  not  to  be 
surprised.  He  must  keep  liimself  on  the  alert, 
observing  everything  that  takes  place  within  sight 
or  hearing.  He  must  never  quit  his  arms,  but 
move  about  briskly  and  without  speaking.  He 
must,  in  case  of  disorder,  call  out,  the  guard ;  and 
if  a  fire  take  place,  he  must  cry.  Fire !  adding  the 
number  of  his  post.  If  in  either  case  the  danger 
be  great,  he  must  discharge  his  piece  before  calling 
out. 

A  sentinel,  placed  over  the  colors  or  arms,  must 
suffer  no  person  to  touch  them,  except  by  order  of 
some  officer,  or  a  non-commissioned  officer  of  the 
guard.  If  placed  over  prisoners,  he  must  suffer  no 
person  except  an  officer,  or  a  non-commissioned 
officer  of  his  guard,  to  converse  with  them,  nor 
must  he  permit  tlie  prisoners  to  leave  their  places 
of  confinement. 

The  sentinel  at  the  guard-house,  or  guard-tent, 
when  he  sees  any  body  of  troops,  or  an  officer  en- 
titled to  compliment,  approach,  must  call,  Turn 
out  the  Guard  ! 

The  officer  of  the  guard  must  see  that  the  coun- 
tersign is  duly  communicated  to  the  sentinels  a 
little  before  twilight ;  to  enable  him  to  do  which, 


144  THE    RECRUIT. 

he  must  be  furnished,  by  the  officer  of  the  day, 
with  the  parole  and  countersign  before  retreat. 

Immediately  after  receiving  the  countersign,  and 
until  reveille,  the  sentinels  must  challenge  all  who 
approach  them.  No  sentinel  must  suffer  any  per- 
son to  advance  nearer  than  the  point  of  his  bayonet, 
until  he  has  received  the  countersign,  placing 
himself  in  the  position  of  arms  port  for  that 
purpose. 

A  sentinel,  in  challenging,  will  call  out :  Who 
comes  there  ?  If  answered,  Friend,  with  the  coun- 
tersign, he  will  reply.  Advance,  friend,  with  the 
countersign  I  If  answered.  Relief,  patrol,  or  grand 
rounds!  he  will  reply.  Halt!  Advance,  Sergeant 
(or  Corporal),  and  give  the  countersign !  and  satisfy 
himself  that  the  party  is  what  it  represents  itself  to 
be.  If  he  have  no  authority  to  pass  persons  with 
the  countersign,  or  if  the  persons  have  not  the 
countersign,  he  will  cause  them  to  stand,  and  call, 
Corporal  of  the  Guard! 

In  case  one  of  the  guard  desert,  the  officer  must 
immediately  change  the  countersign,  and  send  no- 
tice thereof  to  the  officer  of  the  day,  who  is  to 
communicate  the  same  to  the  other  guards  and  to 
head-quarters. 

Though  the  regulations  dispense  with  guards 
turning  out  as  a  matter  of  compliment,  after  sunset, 
yet  sentinels  will,  when  officers  in  uniform  ap- 
proach their  posts,  pay  them  proper  attention,  by 
facing  to  their  proper  front,  and  stand  steady,  at 
shouldered  arms.  This  will  be  observed  until  the 
evening  is  so  far  advanced  that  the  sentinels  begin 
challenging. 


THE    RECRUIT.  14$ 

TO    RECEIVE    THE    OFFICER   OF    THE    DAY,    BY   THE 
GUARD. 

Wlien  the  sentry  before  the  guard  perceives  the 
officer  of  the  day  approach,  he  will  call,  "  Turn  out 
the  guard,  officer  of  the  day ;"  when  the  guard  will 
be  paraded,  and  salute  him  with  presented  arms. 

When  the  officer  of  the  day  approaches  the  sen- 
try, before  the  guard  at  night,  the  latter  will  chal- 
lenge :  "  Who  comes  there  V^  and  the  first  will 
answer,  "  Officer  of  the  day"  The  sentry  will  re- 
ply, "  Stand !  Turn  out  the  guard,  officer  of  tJie 
day."  The  guard  will  be  paraded,  and  the  com- 
mander of  it  will  durect  a  Sergeant  to  advance,  w^ho 
will  say,  "  Advance,  officer  of  the  day,  with  the  courir 
tersign."  The  officer  of  the  day  will  give  the 
countersign,  when  the  Sergeant,  turning  to  the 
officer  of  the  guard,  says,  "  The  countersign  is 
right."  The  officer  of  the  guard  will  then  say, 
"  Advance,  officer  of  the  day."  He  may  also  de- 
mand the  parole,  if  he  thinks  necessary.  The 
guard  will  stand  at  shouldered  arms. 

The  officer  of  the  day  will  examine  the  guard  ; 
see  that  they  are  vigilant ;  that  none  are  absent ; 
and  that  their  arms  and  accoutrements  are  in  or- 
der ;  that  the  officers  and  non-commissioned  officers 
are  acquainted  with  their  duty  ;  and  that  the  sen- 
tinels are  properly  posted,  and  have  received  proper' 
orders. 

GRAND   ROUNDS. 

The  officer  of  the   day,  wishing  to  make  his 
rounds,  will  direct  an  escort  of  a  non-conmiissioned 
officer  and  two  men  to  accompany  him. 
10 


146  THE   KECRUIT. 

When  the  rounds  are  challenged  by  a  sentinel, 
the  Sergeant  will  answer.  Grand  rounds  !  and  the 
sentinel  will  reply,  Stand,  grand  rounds !  Advance^ 
Sergeant,  with  the  countersign.  Upon  which  the 
Sergeant  advances,  and  gives  the  countersign. 
The  sentinel  will  then  cry,  Advance,  rounds !  and 
present  arms  till  they  have  passed. 

When  the  sentinel  before  the  guard  challenges, 
and  is  answered.  Grand  rounds ;  he  will  reply 
Stand,  grand  rounds  I  turn  out  the  guard,  grand 
rounds.  Upon  which  the  guard  will  be  turned  out 
and  drawn  up  in  good  order,  w^ith  shouldered  arms, 
the  officers  taking  their  posts.  The  officer  com- 
manding the  guard  will  then  order  a  Sergeant  and 
two  men  to  advance  towards  the  rounds  and  chal- 
lenge. When  the  Sergeant  of  the  guard  comes 
within  ten  paces  of  the  rounds,  he  will  halt,  and 
challenge  briskly.  The  Sergeant  of  the  rounds  is 
to  answer.  Grand  rounds.  The  Sergeant  of  the 
guard  replies.  Stand,  grand  rounds !  Advance,  Ser- 
geant, with  the  countersign.  The  Sergeant  of  the 
rounds  advances  alone,  and  giving  the  countersign, 
returns  to  his  rounds ;  and  the  Sergeant  of  the 
guard  calls  to  his  oilicer,  The  countersign  is 
right;  on  which  the  officer  of  the  guard  calls, 
Advance,  rounds.  The  officer  of  the  rounds  then 
advances  alone,  the  guard  stand  at  shouldered 
arms.  The  officer  of  the  rounds  passes  along  tlie 
front  of  the  guard  immediately  to  the  officer,  who 
keeps  his  post  on  the  right,  and  gives  him  tlie  pa- 
role. He  then  examines  the  guard,  orders  back 
his  escort,  and  demanding  a  new  one,  proceeds  in 
the  same  manner  to  otlier  guards. 

All  general  officers,  as  well  as  the  commander 


THE    RECRUIT.  147 

of  the  post  or  garrison,  may  visit  the  guards,  and 
go  the  grand  rounds,  and  be  received  in  the  same 
manner  as  prescribed  for  the  officer  of  the  day. 

Sergeants,  with  swords  drawn,  will  salute  by 
bringing  them  to  a  recover ;  with  muskets,  by 
bringing  the  left  hand  across  the  body,  so  as  to 
strike  the  piece  near  the  right  shoulder.  Corporals 
out  of  the  ranks  will  carry  their  pieces  at  a  shoul- 
der, as  Sergeants,  and  salute  in  like  manner. 

When  a  soldier  without  arms,  or  with  side  arms 
only,  meets  an  officer,  he  will  continue  to  move 
on,  but  he  is  to  raise  his  hand  to  his  cap,  looking 
at  the  same  time  in  a  respectful  and  soldier-like 
manner  at  the  officer,  who  will  make  a  suitable 
acknowledgment  to  the  compliment  thus  offered. 


REVIEW 


Preparatory  to  a  review,  the  Adjutant  will  cause 
a  camp  color  to  be  placed  80  or  100  paces,  or  more, 
according  to  the  length  of  the  line,  in  front  of,  and 
opposite  to  where,  the  centre  of  the  battalion  will 
rest,  where  the  reviewing  officer  is  supposed  to 
take  his  station ;  and,  although  he  may  choose  to 
quit  that  position,  still  the  color  is  to  be  considered 
as  the  point  to  which  all  the  movements  and  for- 
mations are  relative. 

The  Adjutant  will  also  cause  points  to  be  marked, 
at  suitable  distances,  for  the  wheelings  of  the  divi- 
sions ;  so  that  their  right  flanks,  in  marching  past, 
Bhall  only  be  about  four  paces  from  the  camp-color, 
where  it  is  supposed  the  reviewing  officer  places 
himself  to  receive  the  salute. 

The  battalion  being  formed  in  the  order  of  battle, 
at  shouldered  arms,  the  Colonel  will  command  : 

1.  Battalion,  prepare  for  Review.  2.  To  the 
Rear,  Open  Order.     3.  March. 

At  the  word  march,  the  field  and  staff  officers 
dismount ;  the  company  officers  and  the  color  rank 
advance  four  paces  in  front  of  the  front  rank,  and 

Elace  themselves  opposite  to  their  respective  places, 
1  the  order  of  battle.    The  staff  officers  place 


THE   RECRUIT.  149 

themselves,  according  to  rank,  three  paces  on  the 
right  of  the  rank  of  company  officers,  and  one  pace 
from  each  other ;  the  music  advances  through  the 
centre,  and  forms  in  two  ranks  (the  band  in  front), 
between  the  colors  and  the  line ;  the  color-guard 
replace  the  color-rank ;  the  Sergeant-Major  and  the 
Quartermaster-Sergeant  take  post  one  pace  from 
each  other,  and  tliree  paces  on  the  right  of  the 
front  rank  of  the  battalion. 

When  the  ranks  are  aligned,  the  Colonel  wil 
command : 

FRONT. 

And  place  himself  eight  paces,  and  the  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel and  Major  will  place  themselves 
two  paces  in  front  of  the  rank  of  company  officers, 
and  opposite  to  their  respective  places  in  the  order 
of  battle,  all  facing  to  the  front. 

When  the  reviewing  officer  presents  himself 
before  the  centre,  and  is  fifty  or  sixty  paces  dis- 
tant, the  Colonel  will  face  about  and  command : 

Present — Arms, 

And  resume  his  front.  The  men  present  arms, 
and  the  officers  salute,  so  as  to  drop  their  swords 
with  the  last  motion  of  the  piece.  The  non-com.- 
missioned  staff*  salute  by  bringing  the  sword  to  a 
poise,  the  hilt  resting  on  the  breast,  the  blade  in 
front  of  the  face,  inclining  a  little  outward.  The 
music  will  play,  and  all  the  drums  beat,  according 
to  the  rank  of  the  reviewing  officer.  The  colors 
only  salute  such  persons  as,  from  their  rank,  and 
by  regulation,  are  entitled  to  that  honor. 


150  THE   RECRXHT. 

The  reviewing  officer  having  halted,  and  ac- 
knowledged the  salute  of  the  line,  by  touching  or 
raising  his  cap,  or  hat,  the  Colonel  will  face  about 
and  command : 

Shoulder — Arms. 

When  the  men  shoulder  their  pieces,  the  officers 
and  non-commissioned  staff  recover  their  swords 
with  the  last  motion,  and  the  Colonel  faces  to  the 
front. 

The  reviewing  officer  will  then  go  towards  the 
right,  the  whole  remaining  perfectly  steady,  with- 
out paying  any  further  compliment,  while  he 
passes  along  the  front  of  the  battalion,  and  pro- 
ceeds round  the  left  flank,  and  along  the  rear  of 
the  file-elosers,  to  the  right.  While  the  reviewing 
officer  is  going  round  the  battalion,  the  band  will 
play,  and  will  cease  when  he  has  returned  to  the 
right  flank  of  the  troops. 

Wlien  the  reviewing  officer  turns  off,  to  place 
himself  by  the  camp-color  in  front,  the  Colonel  will 
face  to  the  line,  and  command  : 

1.  Battalion.    2.   Close  Order,     3.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  the  field  and  company 
officers  will  face  about,  and,  at  the  third  command, 
all  persons,  except  the  Colonel,  will  resume  their 
places  in  the  order  of  battle,  the  field  and  staff 
officers  mount. 

The  reviewing  officer  having  taken  his  position 
near  the  camp-color,  the  Colonel  will  command : 


THE   RECRUIT.  151 

1.  By  Company,  Right  Wheel — March.  2.  Pass 
in  Review,  3.  Column.  4.  Forward,  Guide 
Right,     5.  March. 

The  battalion  in  column  of  companies,  right  in 
front,  will  then  in  common  time,  and  at  shouldered 
arms,  be  put  in  motion  ;  the  Colonel  four  paces  in 
front  of  the  Captain  of  the  leading  company  ;  the 
Lieutenant-Colonel  on  a  line  with  the  leading  com- 
pany ;  the  Major  on  a  line  with  the  rear  company  ; 
the  Adjutant  on  a  line  with  the  second  company  ; 
the  Sergeant-Major  on  a  line  with  the  company 
next  preceding  the  rear — each  six  paces  from  the 
flank  (left)  opposite  to  the  reviewing  officer ;  the 
stall-officers  in  one  rank,  according  to  the  order  of 
precedency,  from  the  right,  four  paces  in  rear  of 
the  column ;  the  music,  preceded  by  the  principal 
musician,  six  paces  before  the  Colonel ;  the  pio- 
neers, preceded  by  a  Corporal,  four  paces  before 
the  principal  musician ;  and  the  Quartermaster- 
Sergeant  two  paces  from  the  side  opposite  to  the 
guide,  and  in  line  with  the  pioneers. 

All  other  officers  and  non-commissioned  officers, 
will  march  past  in  the  places  prescribed  for  them 
in  the  march  of  an  open  column.  The  guides 
and  soldiers  will  keep  their  heads  steady  to  the 
front  in  passing  in  review. 

The  color-bearer  will  remain  in  the  ranks  while 
passing  and  saluting. 

The  music  will  begin  to  play  just  after  the  lead- 
ing company  has  completed  the  second  wheel, 
taking  particular  care  that  they  play  in  the  same 
time,  or  cadence,  as  that  in  which  the  column  is 
marching,  and  wheel  to  the  left  out  of  the  column, 


152  THE   RECRUIT. 

and  take  a  position  opposite  to,  and  facing  the  re- 
viewing officer ;  and  will  continue  to  play  until 
the  rear  of  the  column  shall  have  passed  him^ 
when  it  will  cease,  and  follow  in  the  rear  of  the 
battalion,  unless  the  battalion  is  to  pass  in  quick 
time  also,  in  which  case  it  will  keep  its  position. 

The  officers  will  salute  the  reviewing  officer 
when  they  arrive  within  six  paces  of  him,  and 
recover  their  swords  when  six  paces  past  him.  All 
officers  in  saluting  will  cast  their  eyes  towards  the 
reviewing  officer. 

The  Colonel  when  he  has  saluted  at  the  head  of 
the  battalion,  will  place  himself  near  the  review- 
ing officer,  and  will  *remain  there  until  the  rear 
has  passed,  when  he  will  rejoin  the  battalion. 

The  colors  will  salute  the  reviewing  officer 
when  within  six  paces  of  him,  and  be  raised 
when  they  have  passed  by  him  an  equal  distance. 
The  drums  will  beat  a  march,  or  ruffle,  according 
to  the  rank  of  the  reviewing  officer,  at  the  same 
time  that  the  colors  salute.  . 

When  the  rear  of  the  column  has  passed  the 
reviewing  officer,  the  Colonel  will  command  : 

GUIDE   LEFT. 

And  the  column  will  be  directed,  by  turning  to 
the  Ijft,  to  the  ground  which  it  previously  occupied, 
when  the  Colonel  will  command  : 

1.  Column,  Halt.    2.  Left  into  Line,  Wheel, 
3.  March. 

When  the  line  is  formed  in  order  of  battle,  the 
Colonel  will  cause  the  ranks  to  be  opened,  the 


THE   RECRXHT.  163 

officers  taking  post  in  the  front,  and  the  Review 
will  terminate  by  the  whole  saluting  as  at  the 
beginning. 

If,  however,  instruction  has  been  previously 
given  to  march  the  troops  past  in  quick  time,  also, 
the  Colonel  will,  instead  of  halting  the  column  and 
wheeling  it  into  line,  as  above  directed,  give  the 
command : 

1.  Column.     2.  Quick  Time,     3.  March. 

At  which  command,  the  column  will  change  the 
time  of  marching,  and  pass  by  the  reviewing 
officer,  either  at  shouldered,  or  at  support  arms ; 
and  no  salute  will  be  offered  by  either  officers  or 
men.  The  music  will  have  kept  its  position  oppo- 
site the  reviewing  officer,  and  will  commence 
playing  at  the  same  time  as  is  directed  when  the 
battalion  passes  in  common  time ;  and  as  the  co- 
lumn approaches,  will  place  itself  in  front  of,  and 
march  off  with  the  column,  and  continue  to  play 
until  the  battalion  is  halted  on  its  original  ground 
of  formation.  The  Review  will  terminate  in  the 
same  manner  as  prescribed  above. 

The  Colonel  will  afterwards  cause  the  troops  to 
perform  such  exercises  and  manoeuvres  as  the  re- 
viewing officer  may  direct. 

When  two  or  more  battalions  are  to  be  review- 
ed, they  will  be  formed  in  parade  order,  with 
proper  intervals,  and  will  also  perform  the  same 
movements  that  are  laid  down  for  a  single  batta- 
lion, observing  the  additional  directions  that  are 
fiven  for  such  movements  when  applied  to  the  line, 
'he  Brigadier  and  his  staff,  on  foot,  will  place 


164  THE    RECRUIT. 

themseives  opposite  the  centre  of  the  brigade  ;  tho 
Brigadier  two  paces  in  front  of  the  rank  of  Colo- 
nels ;  his  Aid  two  paces  on  his  right,  and  one  pace 
retired  ;  and  the  other  brigade  staff  officers,  those 
having  the  rank  of  field  officers,  in  the  rank  of 
Lieutenant-Colonels  and  Majors  ;  and  those  below 
that  rank,  i-i  the  rank  of  company  officers. 

In  passing  in  review,  a  Major-General  will  be 
four  paces  in  front  of  the  Colonel  of  the  leading 
battalion  of  his  division,  and  the  Brigadiers  will 
be  on  tlie  right  of  the  Colonels  of  the  leading  bat- 
talions of  their  brigades ;  staff  officers  on  the  left 
of  their  Generals. 

Upon  occasions  when  the  line  exceeds  two  bat- 
talions, the  reviewing  officer  may,  at  his  option,  to 
save  time,  cause  them  to  march  past  in  quick 
time.  In  such  cases  the  mounted  officers  only 
will  salute. 

A  number  of  compames  less  than  a  battalion, 
will  be  reviewed  as  a  battalion  ;  and  a  single  com- 
pany, as  if  it  were  with  the  battalion.  In  the  lat- 
ter case,  the  company  may  pass  in  column  of 
platoons. 

The  reviewing  officer  or  personage  will  ac- 
knowledge the  salute,  by  raisi  (r  or  taking  off  his 
cap,  or  hat,  when  the  commai  der  of  the  troops 
salutes  him ;  and,  also,  when  the  colors  pass.  The 
remainder  of  the  time  occupied  by  the  passage  of 
the  troops  he  will  be  covered. 


INSPECTION. 


The  present  example  embraces  a  battalion  of 
Infantry.  The  inspecting  officer,  and  the  field 
and  staff  officers,  will  be  on  foot. 

The  battalion  being  in  the  order  of  battle,  the 
Colonel  will  cause  it  to  break  into  open  column  of 
companies,  right  in  front.  He  will  next  order  the 
ranks  to  be  opened,  when  the  color-rank  and  color- 
guard  will  take  post  ten  paces  in  front,  and  the 
band  ten  paces  in  the  rear  of  the  column. 

The  Colonel  seeing  the  ranks  aligned,  will  com- 
mand : 

1.  Officers  and   Sergeants.     2.   To  the  Front  of 
your  Companies.     3.  March. 

The  officers  will  form  themselves  in  one  rank, 
eight  paces,  and  the  non-commissioned  officers  in 
one  rank,  six  paces,  in  advance,  along  the  whole 
fronts  of  their  respective  companies,  from  right  to 
left,  in  the  order  of  seniority ;  the  pioneers  and 
music  of  each  company,  in  one  rank,  two  paces 
behind  the  non-commissioned  officers. 

The  Colonel  will  next  command : 


156  THE    RECRUIT. 

1.  Field  and  Staff.     2.  To  the  Frow/— March. 

The  commissioned  officers,  thus  designated,  will 
form  themselves  in  one  rank,  six  paces  in  front  of 
the  colors,  from  right  to  left,  in  the  order  of  se- 
niority ;  and  the  non-commissioned  staff,  in  a 
similar  manner,  two  paces  in  rear  of  the  preceding 
rank.  The  Colonel,  seeing  the  movement  execut- 
ed, will  take  post  on  the  right  of  the  Lieutenant- 
Colonel,  and  wait  the  approach  of  the  inspecting 
officer. 

The  Inspector  will  commence  in  front.  After 
inspecting  the  dress  and  the  general  appearance 
of  the  field  and  commissioned  staff  under  arms, 
the  Inspector,  accompanied  by  their  officers,  will 
pasa  down  the  open  column,  looking  at  every  rank 
in  front  and  rear. 

The  Colonel  will  now  command : 

1.  Order  Arms.     2.  Rest, 

When  the  Inspector  will  proceed  to  make  a  mi- 
nute inspection  of  the  several  ranks  or  divisions, 
in  succession,  commencing  in  front. 

As  the  Inspector  approaches  the  non-commis- 
sioned staff,  the  color-rank,  the  color-guard,  and  the 
band,  the  Adjutant  will  give  the  necessary  orders 
for  the  inspection  of  arms,  boxes  and  knapsacks. 
The  colors  will  be  planted  firm  in  the  ground,  to 
enable  the  color-bearers  to  display  the  contents  of 
their  knapsacks.  The  non-commissioned  staff 
may  be  dismissed  as  soon  as  inspected ;  but  the 
color-rank  and  color-guard  will  remain  until  the 
colors  are  to  be  escorted  to  the  place  from  which 
they  were  taken. 


THE    RECRUIT.  167 

As  the  Inspector  successively  approaches  the 
companies,  the  Captains  will  command  : 

1.  Attention  Company.     2.  Inspection  of  Arms. 

The  inspecting  officer  will  then  go  through  the 
whole  company,  and  minutely  inspect  the  arms, 
accoutrements,  and  dress  of  each  soldier.  After 
this  is  done,  the  Captain  will  command : 

Open — Boxes. 
When  the  ammunition  and  the  boxes  will  be 
examined. 

The  Captain  will  then  command : 

1.  Shoulder — Arms. 

2.  Close  Order. 

3.  March. 

4.  Order — Arms. 

5.  Stack — Arms. 

6.  To  the  Rear,  Open  Order. 

7.  March. 

8.  Front  Ranlc,  About  Face. 

9.  Unsling  Knapsacks. 
10.  Open  Knapsacks. 

The  Sergeants  will  face  inward,  and  close  upon 
the  centre  at  the  second  and  third  commands,  and 
will  stack  their  arms  at  the  fifth  command  ;  at  the 
sixth  and  seventh  commands,  they  will  face  out- 
ward, and  resume  their  positions.  When  the 
ranks  are  closed,  preparatory  to  take  arms,  the 
Sergeants  will  also  close  upon  the  centre,  and,  at 
the  word,  take  their  arms,  and  resume  their  places. 


168  THE    RECRUIT. 

The  knapsacks  will  be  placed  at  the  feet  of  the 
men,  the  flaps  from  them,  with  the  great  coats  on 
the  flaps,  and  the  knapsacks  leaning  on  the  great 
coats.  In  this  posiiion,  the  Inspector  will  ex- 
amine their  contents,  or  as  many  of  them  as  he 
may  think  necessary,  commencing  with  the  non- 
commissioned officers. 

As  the  Inspector  passes,  each  soldier  will  re- 
pa^A,  and  buckle  up  his  knapsack,  leaving  it  on 
the  ground,  the  number  upwards,  turned  from  him, 
and  then  stand  at  rest. 

When  the  Inspector  has  passed  through  the 
company,  the  Captain  will  command  : 

1.  Attention  Company.     2.  Sling  Knapsacks. 

At  the  word  Sling,  each  soldier  will  take  his 
knapsack,  holding  it  by  the  inner  straps,  and  stand 
erect ;  at  the  last  word,  he  will  replace  it  on  liia 
back,  the  Captain  will  continue  ; 

3.  Front  Rank,  About  Face. 

4.  Close  Order. 
6.  March. 

6.  Take — Arms. 

7.  Shoulder — Arms. 

8.  Officers  and  Sergeants  to  your  Posts. 

9.  March. 

And  will  cause  the  company  to  file  oflf  to  their 
tents  or  quarters,  except  the  company  that  is  to 
re-escort  the  colors,  which  will  await  the  furtlier 
orders  of  the  Colonel. 


SALUTES. 


The  iKitiona]  salute  is  determined  by  the  rvsm^^v 
of  States  composing  the  Union,  at  the  rate  of  on^ 
gun  for  each  State. 

The  President  of  the  United  States  alone  is  to 
receive  a  salute  of  twenty-one  guns. 

The  Vice  President  is  to  receive  a  salute  of  sev- 
enteen guns. 

The  Heads  of  the  great  Executive  Departments 
of  the  National  Government;  the  Major-General 
commanding  the  army;  the  Governors  of  States 
and  Territories,  v^^ithin  their  respective  jurisdictions, 
fifteen  guns. 

A  Major-General,  thirteen  guns. 

A  Brigadier-General,  eleven  guns. 

Foreign  ships  of  war  will  be  saluted  in  return  for 
a  similar  compliment,  gun  for  gun,  on  notice  being 
officially  received  of  such  intention. 

Officers  of  the  Navy  will  be  saluted  according  to 
relative  rank. 

Foreign  officers  invited  to  visit  a  fort  or  post, 
may  be  saluted  according  to  their  relative  rank. 

Envoys  arid  Ministers  of  the  United  States  and 
foreign  powers,  are  to  be  saluted  with  thirteen  guns. 

All  otficers  of  the  army  having  rank  above  that 
of  Colonel,  whetlier  of  the  line  or  staff,  by  brevet  or 


160  THE    RECRUIT. 

otherwise,  will  be  complimented,  on  official  visits, 
by  salutes  according  to  their  highest  rank  ;  provided 
they  be  senior  to  the  officer  in  command  where  the 
visit  is  made. 

A  General  officer  will  be  saluted  but  once  in  a 
year  at  each  post,  and  only  when  notice  of  his  in- 
tention to  visit  the  post  has  been  given. 

Salutes  to  individuals  are  to  be  fired  on  their 
arrival  only. 

A  national  salute  will  be  fired  at  meridian,  on  the 
anniversary  of  the  Independence  of  the  United 
Stales,  at  each  military  post  and  camp. 


ESCORTS  OF  HONOR. 


Escorts  of  honor  may  be  composed  of  cavalry 
or  infantry,  or  both,  according  to  circumstances. 
They  are  guards  of  honor  for  the  purpose  of  re- 
ceiving and  escorting  personages  of  high  rank,  civil 
or  military.  The  troops  for  this  purpose  will  be 
selected  for  their  soldierly  appearance  and  superior 
discipline. 

The  manner  of  receiving  and  escorting  the  per- 
sonage is  as  follows: 

The  escort  will  be  drawn  up  in  line,  the  centre 
opposite  to  the  place  where  the  personage  presents 
nimself,  with  an  interval  between  the  wings  to  re- 
ceive the  personage  and  his  retinue.  On  his  ap- 
pearance, he  will  be  received  with  the  honors  due 
to  his  rank.  When  he  has  taken  his  place  in  the 
line,  the  whole  will  be  wheeled  into  platoons  or 
companies,  as  the  case  may  be,  and  take  up  the 
march.  The  same  ceremony  will  be  observed,  and 
the  same  honors  paid,  on  his  leaving  the  escort. 

When  the  position  of  the  escort  is  at  a  consider- 
able distance  from  the  point  where  the  personage 
is  expected  to  be  received,  as,  for  instance,  where  a 
court-yard  or  wharf  intervenes,  a  double  line  of 
sentinels  will  be  posted  from  that  point  to  the 
escort,  facing  inwards,  and  the  sentinels  will  suc- 
cessively salute  as  the  personage  passes. 

An  officer  will  be  appointed  to  attend  the  person- 
age escorted,  to  bear  such  communications  as  he 
may  have  to  make  to  the  commander  of  the  escort. 


FUNERAL  HONORS. 


On  ihe  receipt  of  official  intelligence  of  the  death 
of  the  President  of  the  United  States^  at  any  post 
or  camp,  the  commanding  officer  shall,  on  the  fol- 
lowing day,  cause  a  gun  to  be  fired  at  every  half 
hour,  beginning  at  sunrise,  and  ending  at  sunset. 
When  posts  are  contiguous,  the  firing  will  take 
place  at  the  post  only  commanded  by  the  superior 
officer. 

On  the  day  of  the  interment  of  a  Major-General 
commanding'in'Chief,  a  gun  will  be  fired  at  every 
half  hour,  until  the  procession  moves,  beginning  at 
sunrise. 

The  funeral  escort  of  a  Major-General  com- 
manding-in-chiefy  shall  consist  of  a  regiment  of 
infantry,  a  squadron  of  cavalry,  and  six  pieces  of 
artillery. 

That  of  a  Major-GeneraU  a  regiment  of  infantry, 
a  squadron  of  cavalry,  and  four  pieces  of  artillery. 

That  of  a  Brigadier- General ^  a  regiment  of  in- 
fantry, one  company  of  cavalry,  and  two  pieces  of 
artillery. 


THE   RECRUIT.  163 

That  of  a  Colonel,  a  regiment. 

That  of  a  Lieuteriant  Colonel,  six  companies. 

That  of  a  Major,  four  companies. 

That  of  a  Captain,  one  company. 

That  of  a  Subaltern,  half  a  company. 

The  funeral  escort  shall  always  be  commanded 
by  an  officer  of  the  same  rank  with  the  deceased ; 
or,  if  none  such  be  present,  by  one  of  the  next  in- 
ferior grade. 

The  funeral  escort  of  a  non-commissioned  staff 
officer  shall  consist  of  sixteen  rank  and  file,  com- 
manded by  a  Sergeant. 

That  of  a  Sergeant,  of  fourteen  rank  and  file, 
commanded  by  a  sergeant. 

That  of  a  corporal,  of  twelve  rank  and  file,  com- 
manded by  a  corporal ;  and 

That  of  a  private,  of  eight  rank  and  file,  com- 
manded by  a  corporal. 

The  escort  will  be  formed  in  two  ranks,  opposite 
to  the  quarters  or  tent  of  the  deceased,  with  shoul- 
dered arms  and  bayonets  fixed;  the  artillery  and 
cavalry  on  the  right  of  the  infantry. 

On  the  appearance  of  the  corpse,  the  officer  com- 
manding the  escort  will  command, 

Present — ^Arms. 

When  the  honors  due  to  the  deceased  will  be 
paid  by  the  drums  and  trumpets.  The  music  will 
then  play  an  appropriate  air,  and  the  coffin  will 
then  be  taken  to  the  right,  where  it  will  be  halted. 

The  commander  will  next  order. 


164  THE   REORUIT, 

1.  Shoulder — Arms.  2.  By  company,  (or  pla- 
toon,) left  loheel.  3.  March.  4.  Column, 
forward,  guide  right.    5.  March. 

The  column  will  be  marched,  in  common  time, 
to  appropriate  music;  and,  on  reaching  the  grave, 
will  take  a  direction  so  as  that  the  guides  shall  be 
next  to  the  grave.  When  the  centre  of  the  column 
is  opposite  the  grave,  the  commander  will  order ; 

1.  Column — Halt.     2.  Right  into  line,  wheel 
3.  March. 

The  coffin  is  then  brought  along  the  front,  to  the 
opposite  side  of  the  grave,  and  the  commander  then 
orders. 

Present — Arms. 

And  when  the  coffin  reaches  the  grave,  he  adds, 

1.  Shoulder — Arms.    2.  Order — Arms.    3.  Rest. 

After  the  funeral  service  is  performed,  and  the 
coffin  is  lowered  into  the  grave,  the  commander  will 
order, 

1.    Attention,  company.      2.    Shoulder — Arms. 
3.  Load  at  will.    4.  Load. 

When  three  rounds  of  small  arms  will  be  fired 
by  the  escort,  taking  care  to  elevate  the  pieces. 
This  being  done,  the  commander  will  order. 


THE    RECRUIT.  165 

I.  By  company,  {or  platoon,)  right  wheel.  2. 
March.  3.  Column,  forward,  guide  left, 
quick  time.     4.  March. 

The  music  will  not  begin  to  play  until  the  escort 
is  clear  of  the  enclosure. 

The  usual  badge  of  militziry  mourning,  is  a  piece 
of  black  crape  around  the  left  arm,  and  also  upon 
the  sword-hilt ;  and  will  be  worn  when  in  full,  or 
in  undress. 

Funeral  honors  will  be  paid  to  deceased  officers, 
without  military  rank,  according  to  their  assimilated 
grades. 


INSTRUCTIONS  FOR  ARMS 

WITH 

Percussion  Locks,  and  Bayonets  with  Clasps. 


Arms  with  percussion  locks  require  to  be  handled 
with  much  care  to  prevent  the  hammer  (cock)  from 
becoming  loose,  by  which  its  direct  fall  on  the  cone 
(nipple)  would  be  rendered  uncertain. 

When  unloaded,  they  will  at  all  times  be  used 
with  the  hammer  down  on  the  cone ;  but  when 
loaded,  and  the  cap  or  primer  being  on  the  cone,  the 
piece  will  be  carried  half-cocked  for  safety ;  when 
there  is  no  cap  on  the  cone,  the  vent  will  be  closed 
with  the  hammer  resting  upon  it. 

No  commands  are  embraced  in  this  instruction 
except  where  their  execution  difRirs  from  that  pre- 
scribed for  the  same  commands  in  the  Manual  of 
Arms,  Infantry  Tactics,  or  where  it  is  necessary  to 
show  the  connection  of  the  motions. 

Percussion  caps  will  be  carried  provisionally,  in 
a  leather  pocket  attached  to  the  waist-belt  by  loops, 
in  a  manner  to  admit  of  its  being  moved  upon  the 
belt. 

Present — Arms. 

First  Motion.  Turn  the  piece  with  the  left 
hand,  the  lock  out,  and  seize  the  small  at  the  same 
time  with  the  right  hand,  the  piece  perpendicular 
and  detached  from  the  shoulder,  the  left  hand  re- 
maining under  the  butt. 


168  THE   RECRUIT. 

Second  Motion.  Complete  the  turning  inwards 
of  the  piece,  so  as  to  bring  it  erect  before  the  centre 
of  the  body,  the  rammer  to  the  front,  the  right  hand 
under  and  against  the  guard ;  seize  it  smartly  at  the 
same  time  with  the  left  hand  just  above  the  lock, 
the  thumb  extended  along  the  barrel  and  on  the 
stock,  the  fore-arm  resting  on  the  body  without 
constraint,  and  the  hand  at  the  height  of  the  elbow. 

Shoulder — Arms. 

First  Motion.  Turn  the  piece  with  the  right 
hand,  the  barrel  out;  raise  and  support  it  against 
the  left  shoulder  with  the  right  hand,  drop  the  left 
hand  under  the  butt,  the  right  hand  resting  on, 
without  grasping  the  small. 

Second  Motion.  Drop  quickly  the  right  hand 
into  its  position. 


Load  in  eight  times. 
1.  Load. 

First  Motion.  Drop  the  piece  by  a  smart  ex- 
tension of  the  left  arm,  seize  it  with  the  right  hand 
above  and  near  the  tail  band ;  at  the  same  time 
carry  the  right  foot  forward,  the  heel  against  the 
hollow  of  the  left  foot. 

Second  Motion.  Drop  the  piece  with  the  right 
6and  along  the  left  thigh,  seize  it  with  the  left  hand 
at  the  middle  band,  and  with  the  left  hand  let  it 
descend  along  to  the  ground,  without  shock,  the 


THE   RECRUIT.  169 

piece  touching  the  left  thigh,  and  the  muzzle 
opposite  to  the  centre  of  the  body ;  carry  the  right 
hand  quickly  to  the  cartridge-box  and  open  it. 

2.  Handle — Cartridge. 

Seize  a  cartridge  with  the  thumb  and  next  two 
fingers,  and  place  it  between  the  teeth. 

3.   Tear — Cartridge. 

Tear  the  paper  down  to  the  powder,  hold  the 
cartridge  upright  between  the  thumb  and  next  two 
fingers,  near  the  top ;  and  in  this  position  place  it 
in  front  of  and  near  the  muzzle,  the  back  of  the 
hand  to  the  front. 

4.  Charge — Cartridge. 

As  in  the  Infantry  Tactics. 

5.  Draw — Rammer. 

First  second  and  third  motions,  as  in  the  Infantry 
Tactics. 

6.  Ram — Cartridge. 

As  in  the  Infantry  Tactics. 

7.  Return — Hammer. 

First  second  and  third  motions,  as  in  the  Infantry 
Tactics. 


170  THE    RECRUIT. 

8.  Shoulder — Arms. 

First,  second,  and  third  motions,  as  in  the  In- 
fantry Tactics. 

Ready.     (From  the  position  of  shoulder  arms.) 

First  Motion. — As  in  the  Infimtry  Tactics. 

Second  Motion. — As  in  the  Infantry  Tactics,  ex- 
cept that  the  piece  will  be  held  in  the  left  hand 
just  above  the  lock. 

Third  Motion. — Place  the  thumb  on  the  hammer, 
the  forefinger  under  and  on  the  guard,  the  other 
three  fingers  joined  to  the  first,  and  half-cock  the 
piece ;  brush  off  the  old  cap,  and  with  the  thumb 
and  first  two  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  take  a  cap 
from  the  pocket,  place  it  firmly  on  the  cone,  by 
pushing  it  down  with  the  thumb;  place  again  the 
thumb  on  the  hammer,  the  forefinger  under  and  on 
the  guard,  the  elbow  at  the  height  of  the  wrist. 

Fourth  Motion. — As  in  the  Infantry  Tactics. 

Aim. 

Drop  smartly  the  muzzle  and  take  the  positions 
indicated  in  the  Infantry  Tactics. 

Fire. 
As  in  the  Infantry  Tactics. 

Load.     (From  the  fire.) 
First  Motion.— Bring  back  the  piece   quickly 


THE    RECRUIT.  171 

with  both  hands,  depress  the  butt  strongly  by  ex- 
tending the  right  arm,  and  carry  it  with  the  arm 
thus  extended  to  the  left  side,  the  barrel  turned  to 
the  front  and  opposite  to  the  left  shoulder ;  open 
the  left  hand  to  let  the  piece  slide  through  it  to  the 
middle-band,  the  back  of  the  hand  to  the  front,  the 
left  fore-arm  touching  the  stock;  at  the  same  time 
face  to  the  front,  and  carry  the  right  foot  forward, 
the  heel  against  the  hollow  of  the  left  foot. 

Second  Motion. — Quit  the  hold  of  the  right 
hand ;  with  the  left  hand  remaining  at  the  middle- 
band,  let  the  piece  descend  to  the  ground,  without 
shock,  and  take  the  position  of  the  second  motion 
of  the  first  time  of  loading,  and  load  at  will,  as  in 
eight  times. 

Shoulder — Arms.     (From  the  fire.) 

First  Motion. — Bring  back  the  piece  with  both 
nands,  face  to  the  front,  carry  the  piece  against  the 
left  shoulder,  and  place  the  left  hand  under  the 
butt. 

Second  Motion. — Let  fall  smartly  the  right  hand 
into  its  position. 

Recover — Arms. 
As  in  the  Infantry  Tactics. 

Shoulder — Arms.     (From  the  recover.) 

Executed  as  in  the  Infontry  Tactics,  except  that 
while  lowering  the  hammer  to  the  half-cock  notch, 


172  THE    RECRUIT. 

the  piece  will  be  supported  by  the  left  hand,  hold- 
ing it  just  above  the  lock,  and  that  the  hammer  iu 
its  descent  will  nearly  touch  the  cone. 

Unjix — Bayonet. 

Firat  Motion, — As  in  the  Infantry  Tactics. 

Second  Motion. — Drop  the  piece  with  the  right 
hand  along  the  left  thigh,  seize  it  with  the  left 
hand  above  the  right,  lengthen  out  the  left  arm, 
rest  the  butt  on  the  ground,  without  shock,  and 
carry  at  the  same  time  the  right  hand  to  the  bayo- 
net ;  with  the  thumb  turn  the  clasp  against  the  stop, 
and  then  seize  the  bayonet  at  the  socket  and  shank. 

Third  Motion. — As  in  the  Infantry  Tactics. 

Fix — Bayonet. 

First  and  Second  Motions. — As  in  the  Infantry 
Tactics. 

Third  Motion. — Draw  the  bayonet  from  the 
scabbard,  carry  and  fix  it  on  the  muzzle,  turning 
the  clasp  towards  the  body  with  the  right  thumb ; 
place  immediately  the  little  finger  on  the  head  of 
the  rammer,  lower  the  left  hand  along  the  barrel, 
in  extending  the  arm,  without  depressing  the 
shoulder. 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS. 


Introduction 

3 

Description  of  a  Musket 

7 

SCHOOL    OF    THE    SOL 

DIER. 

Position  of  the  Soldier 

9 

Facings  ..... 

.      13 

The  Direct  Step      .            .            .           . 

14 

The  Oblique  Step 

.      16 

Manual  of  Arms      .            .            .            , 

18 

Firings    ..... 

.      36 

Inspection  of  Anna 

39 

Stack  Arms       .... 

.      41 

For  Relieving  Sentinels      . 

43 

For  Dismission 

.      44 

Mark  Time  .... 

45 

Chans^-e  Step      . 

.      45 

Stop  Short    .... 

45 

Side  Step           .... 

.      46 

Alignments 

46 

To  march  to  the  Front 

.      48 

The  Quick  Step      . 

49 

The  Back  Step 

.49 

To  march  by  the  Flank     . 

50 

Wheelings         .... 

.      52 

Turning        .... 

55 

SCHOOL  OF  THE  COM 

PANY. 

Formation  of  Company 

.      57 

To  pass  from  Two  Ranks  into  One  Rank 

59 

Posts  of  Officers  in  Colujnn    . 

.      60 

To  Open  Ranks 

62 

Alignments  in  Open  Ranks     . 

.      62 

Manual  of  Arms  in  Open  Ranks  . 

63 

To  Close  Ranks 

.      64 

Alignments  in  Closed  Ranks 

64 

Manual  of  Arms  in  Closed  Ranks 

.      64 

To  Load  in  Four  Times     . 

64 

Load  at  Will    .... 

.      64 

Fire  by  Company    . 

65 

Fire  by  File      .... 

65 

Fire  by  the  Rear  Rank 

66 

Q05TENTS. 

PAOX 

Advance  in  Line  of  Battle      .  .  .  .  .08 

Halt  tlie  Company  and  Align  it    .  .  .  .  69 

Oblique  March  in  Line  of  Battle        .  .  .  .69 

Retire  in  Line  ......  70 

To  March  by  the  Flank  .  .  .  .      71 

To  Change  Direction  by  File        ...  72 

To  Form  Line  by  File  .  .  .  .  .72 

To  Form  by  Company  or  by  Platoon  into  Line  .  .  73 

Marching  by  the  Front,  to  March  by  the  Flank      .  .      74 

Marching  in  Column  by  Platoon,  to  March  by  a  Flank  in 
the  same  Direction    .  .  .  .  .  .75 

To  Break  from  Line  into  Column  by  Platoon    .  .  75 

To  March  in  Column  .  .  .  .  .  .77 

To  Change  Direction  .....  77 

To  Halt  the  Column 79 

To  Wheel  into  Line  .....  80 

To  Diminish  and  Increase  Front  of  Column  in  Marching         81 
To  Diminish  and  Increase  Front  of  Column  by  Files         .      83 
To  March  in  Column  of  Route     ....  85 

Countermarch  .  .  .  .  .  .  .87 

Marching  in  Column  by  Platoon,  to  Form  on  Right  or  Left 
into  Line        .  .  .  .  .  .  .89 

Manual  of  Arms  for  Sergeants      ....  92 

To  pass  from  the  Shoulder  as  Infantry  to  the  Shoulder  as 
Light-Infantry  ......      96 

To  pass  from  the  Shoulder  as  Light-Infantry  to  the  Shoul- 
der as  Infantry  .  .  .  .  .  .97 

Parade  Rest 97 

LIGHT-INFANTRY  AND  RIFLE. 
Manual  of  Arms  ,  .  .  .  .  .98 

To  Load  and  Fire  as        »        .        .         .  .  104 

SKIRMISHERS. 
Deployments  : — 

1.— To  Deploy  Forward                              .  118 

2.— To  Deploy  by  the  Flank                              .  120 

3.— To  Extend  Intervals       .  123 

4.— To  Close  Intervals     ...  124 

5.— To  Relieve  Skirmlshcre             .           .  .125 

To  Blarch  In  Advance      .....  126 
To  March  in  Retreat  .            .                        ...      127 

To  March  by  a  Flank 128 

The  Firings      .......      129 

To  Rally  132,  To  Assemble          .                        .            .  l.V. 

Street  Firing  136,  Duties  in  Garrison  and  Camp  .    139 

Review  149,  Inspection  106,  Salutes        .            .            .  169 

Escorts  of  Honor  161,  Funeral  Honors          .           .  .    16i 

InsUttctions  for  Arms  with  Percussion  Locks.              .  i§7 


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